LAPEL — When Lee’s Theatre closed shop in Anderson this past March, the future seemed uncertain for the family-run operation. But the show must go on, and the Lee family wasted no time in making sure it did.
“A lot of kids were upset when we were closing because (performing) is their outlet,” said studio co-operator Marcie Greenlee, who attributed high overhead costs behind the Lee’s Theatre closing. “We figured out how we could keep this going and not spend as much money as we were.”
As a result, Kidz Take the Stage officially opened last month in downtown Lapel. Despite the new location, Greenlee and her mother, Denise Lee, said it was business as usual inside the new performing arts studio. While they no longer have a center stage to perform main acts, they have added services that include a more expansive and personable outreach for aspiring youth.
For example, many faithful patrons of Lee’s Theatre have already attended individual audition tutoring in Lapel, which offers key insight on how to obtain the lead role of future productions. Also, auditions will begin to fill roles for the upcoming showcase “Beauty and the Beast,” which is scheduled Aug. 15-16 at an as-yet undetermined location.
“We were hoping someone would purchase (Lee’s Theatre) and then for a minimum fee we’d be able to use it if we have a production,” Greenlee said. “But as of now, we don’t have any chance of that for the upcoming show.”
As mother and daughter continue scouring sites throughout the area, Lee said, the bulk of their efforts remain within the new studio. If nothing else, she said, Kidz Take the Stage offers children an alternative from the norm.
“Every community you’re in, whether it’s Anderson, Pendleton or Lapel, all you hear is that there is nothing for kids to do,” Lee said. “Well, we’re offering something. It’s all for the kids.”
So far, Greenlee said, 20 children had registered for the show, and she hopes for additional walk-ins Monday when auditions begin.
“We knew we’d bring some of the old kids with us, but we were hoping to have new kids — we’d love to have new kids,” Greenlee said.
Even before the Anderson theater closed, Lee said, they were forced to let go employees they could no longer afford to pay. Since then, many parents have chipped in by voluntarily building sets and additional materials.
Jim George, Anderson resident and father of 8-year-old Riley, credits Greenlee for improving both his son’s coordination and abilities on stage over the past two years they’ve worked together. In return, he has willingly lent a helping hand behind the scenes.
“I just started helping and hanging around, doing a lot of the things they needed to do, and I just kind of worked into the role of building the sets and setting the stage,” George said.
While it serves mostly as a hobby for George, he has no qualms with contributing to what he considers to be a worthwhile effort.
“They are doing a service for the kids, and they needed quality sets that work for them and enhance what they’re doing, so I just thought I could lend a hand,” George said.
----------
If you go...
What: “Kidz Take The Stage” Performing Arts Center
Where: 916 N. Main St., Lapel
When: Auditions for “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” begin Monday, July 7, at 1 p.m.
Who: Kids age 5-14
Cost: $225 covers practice sessions and costumes
Phone: (765) 602-4774
Home News (ADS ONLY)
Related Photos
-
Don Knight
-
Don Knight
Discussion
July 5, 2008
Lee family brings the kids back on stage
- Home News (ADS ONLY)
-
-
Photo gallery: AU vs Mount Saint Joseph Baseball
Photos from the baseball double header and senior night for Anderson University and Mount Saint Joseph on 5/7/10.
-
Comedian Harland Williams coming to Paramount
LOS ANGELES — Canadian Harland Williams was enjoying winter in Southern California. “It’s beautiful out,” said Williams, 47, familiar from roles in films like “Dumb & Dumber” and “There’s Something About Mary.” “A bit cold, but is 65 cold? I’ll take this cold any day, thank you.” Williams, whose Indiana performances have been exclusive to Crackers in Broad Ripple, will take the stage at the Paramount on Friday, April 2.
-
Nancy Wood back in Anderson, with ASO
ANDERSON — Nancy Wood stared into the glass vase, full of clear water, with the bare roots of a plant dangling down into it.
-
Auction deal for buyers, not for owners
ANDERSON — An auction held Saturday at a former, popular cabinet manufacturer resulted in deals for local woodwork hobbyists and businesses, but earned less than the new owners hoped for.
-
Ann Duran on the air in Madison County
DALEVILLE — As a child, radio personality Ann Duran remembers her father calling her his mini-Barbara Walters.
-
Weights, measures officials protect consumers
ANDERSON — Whether consumers are filling up their cars’ gas tanks, buying a gallon of milk or drying clothes at a laundromat, one man in Anderson makes sure they always get their money’s worth.
-
AHS rocking to 'Schoolhouse Rock Live!'
ANDERSON, Ind. — With the end of the school year quickly approaching, Anderson High School Performing Arts students are springing into a favorite pastime. With the help of their director of six years, Tiffany Jackson, the group of 12 is putting on a musical, “Schoolhouse Rock Live!”
-
Anderson native to lead county ghost tour
ANDERSON — Growing up in Madison County, Nicole Kobrowski liked to visit some of the area’s creepier places, such as Moss Island Road just west of the city.
-
Sidewalk Prophets looking for a Dove
Sidewalk Prophets know how to please a crowd when they sing Christian pop at concerts across the nation.
Now, they’d like fans to reciprocate to help the band win a Dove Award. -
At Home: Project a bonding experience
PENDLETON — When a four-year project goes on for seven years, the result is often a strained marriage.
- More Home News (ADS ONLY) Headlines
-
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
