When the gifts are unwrapped and the extended family goes home, your kids may be looking for something to do.

Natchez Little Theatre has just the thing — the second-annual Winter Youth Workshop from 9 a.m. — 4 p.m. Tuesday. The day-long workshop began last year as a way to introduce kids to the theatre experience while on their Christmas vacation and won over the parents who decided to include their children.

Last years’ workshop was lead by past board member Leigh Anne Mason, who developed the program, and will be lead by a team of board members and volunteers this year. Participants can expect this workshop to include acting, choreography, and vocal elements and they should dress in comfortable clothing with tennis shoes so they are able to move easily.

Those attending the workshop are encouraged to bring snacks but the theater will provide a pizza lunch. After the participants are done, they will go home for a quick break and return to the theater for a performance at 7 p.m. Tickets to the show will be $10 each.

The Natchez Little Theatre works to expose the surrounding communities to the performing arts, and no audience more so than children. More than a decade ago, NLT began the Summer Youth Workshop, a month-long program to provide area children with an intensive acting clinic with elements of dance and music. The program has grown, and more than 300 at-risk youth have had a chance to fall in love with the performing arts.

The winter workshop was part of an effort to offer children more opportunities in the theatre as well as a new fundraiser for NLT’s building fund. Currently, there are many structural and aesthetic issues needing attention; however, the funds are always a key factor in when and if those needs are addressed.

The theater is a wonderful place for kids to express themselves. The children who have participated in previous workshops usually return to the stage in one or more of the regular seasons’ productions.

The cost per child is $50, but the experience is priceless. Consider sending your child to NLT for a day during this winter break and help support the art in the process. Children of all ages are encouraged to attend and you can reserve their place by calling 601-442-2233 or sending an email to NatchezLT@cableone.net. Payment is expected by or on the day of the workshop. We look forward to seeing you soon.

 

Morgan Mizell is a member of the Natchez Little Theatre board of directors.