PerformingView by Kay Osborn
They sing! They dance! They act! Pass by Center Stage Kids while the students are in class: you will hear laughter, applause, and singing. You will see smiles, bright eyes, and team building! Center Stage Kids located at 1217 H Street in downtown Modesto was founded by Dawn Peterson. The staff consists of nine amazing women who teach singing, dancing, and acting. This year eighty children from the ages of 5-18 attend classes. They come from all over the county and as far as Tracy, Newman and Manteca. The environment is nurturing, very positive and fun! Children gain confidence and make new friends while increasing their self-esteem and self-worth. Special guests are invited to provide unique workshops and share their knowledge of the show business industry. This year Chris McPherson, a former Modesto resident who works at the Disney University, choreographed a special dance for their upcoming variety shows on Dec. 7 at Johansen High School at 2 PM and 6 PM. Christmas Town will include songs and original sketches. Tickets are $6. They can be purchased through the CSK website, Centerstagekids.net or by calling 604-0411. The 2 PM show will be interpreted for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing by Mark Medina and Kaye Osborn.
Edwin Hawkins, who is an uncle of one of the students, gave a Gospel workshop. Hawkins is a 4 Grammy winning artist who wrote “Oh Happy Day”. High school students are encouraged to direct and choreograph. They are always expanding and challenging their experiences. Lin Sexton writes original sketches (mini-plays) and songs for CSK. Bailey Johnson, a 16- year -old Enochs student, loves CSK because it is a supportive, learning environment. Her dream job is to become a co-anchor on The Today Show. Tibari Devone, a 16-year-old Gregori student and Edwin Hawkins nephew says CSK stretches him more. He dreams of becoming a musician just like his uncle.
Each year some of the CSK teachers and students travel to Slovenia to direct a Performing Arts Summer Camp for young people. CSK is accepting new applicants on Jan. 6.
Here are some of the amazing live stage performances this month.
Gallo Center for the Arts
Dec. 1 Babes in Toyland 2:30 PM
Dec. 7 Gift of Song by YES Company 1 PM and 3:30 PM
Dec. 8 Elves and the Shoemaker 2 PM and 4Pm
Dec. 13,14,15, 20,21,and 22 Center West Ballet The Nutcracker Come Dec. 15 when I get to be Mother Ginger! I am so jazzed!
Prospect Theater Project Mauritius Dec. 1,5,6,7,8
Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol Dec. 20 & 21 solo performance by Reed Boyer
State Theater Dec. 1 A Happy Holiday Event for Kids Noon: Santa Claus 1 PM: The Polar Express $3 children 12 and under $6 for all others
Dec. 7 ILL List 10 All star poetry slam
Dec. 13,14,15 Strut Dance The Night Before Christmas Barkin Dog Grill 6 PM 2nd Tuesday Poetry
California University at Stanisalaus Dec. 5 & 6 8 PM The Kamikaze Fireflies
Modesto Junior College Dec. 5,6,7,8 The Wind in the Willows
McHenry Museum Dickens’ Faire Children’s Event 9 AM-noon FREE Decorate cookies, make a Christmas ornament, dance with Central West Ballet ballerinas
McHenry Mansion Dickens’ Fair and special Dickens’ Farmer’s Market 9 AM- 3 PM FREE
See our special PerformingBarView by Kate Serpa and Philip Johnson about the Center Stage Lower Level Theatre on Page XX
