Herald-Guide celebrates Hollywood’s future performers

St. Charles Parish kids shine in a performance of ‘Lil Abner’

Lil Abner stars shine: Kaylin Parker, of Destrehan, a J.B. Martin Middle School student and Madeleine Daste, of Luling, a student of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School pose for the camera right before their performance.

Kaylin Parker, 11, a J.B. Martin Middle School student, from Destrehan, and Madeline Daste, 12, a St. Borromeo Catholic School student from Luling, performed in the play, ‘Lil Abner’, Sunday, June 23, at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center.

Both St. Charles Parish girls are aspiring actresses participating in a drama camp sponsored by the organization.

“I like making the audience laugh and the feeling I get when the audience claps after one of my performances,” Kaylin said.

“I love getting to become a character in a play and just having fun,” Madeline said.

Kaylin is a gifted and talented drama student at J.B. Martin Middle and participated in the program last year where she got to perform ‘Annie Get Your Gun.’

“We have over 130 kids taking part in the drama club this year from all areas,” Frannie Rosenberg, director and choreographer of the play told the Herald-Guide.

“It gives the children a chance to get some real life acting, singing and dancing experience,” she continued.

“We provide a rehearsal environment that emphasizes respect, dedication, self discipline and the pleasure of putting on performances.”

The cost of the drama camp is $400 per child, a one time all inclusive fee it covers various expenses that come along with putting on a production.

A professional staff does set design, choreography, lighting and costume.

A fresh group of young performers is needed to put on the second ‘Lil Abner performance.

“We are looking for third through seventh graders to attend our second session of drama camp which begins July 2 to 22,” Lynne Lawerence, administrative assistant for Jefferson Performing Arts told the Herald-Guide.

“These performances will be held at the Westwego Performing Arts Theater, in Westwego.”

Another group of students is needed for the eighth through twelfth grade drama camp.

“We are looking young adults beginning in eight grade to twelfth grade to perform play ‘High School Musical.’

For more information about Jefferson Performing Arts drama camp contact Lynne Lawrence at 504-885-2000 ext. 211.