Summit Theatre Group’s goal is to help kids gain confidence, ‘teach them how to shine’

Summit Theatre Group offers youth a chance to escape the winter blues and jump into the energetic world of theater.

Many of the STG Studio classes, available for kids from preschool to high school, are so sought-after they’re full within hours of the registration date.

The studio is the educational arm of the nonprofit, which performs theatrical productions for the community each year.

On a winter day, kids ages 6 to 11 are learning songs, scenes and dances from the hit movie “Sing,” as well as working on basic props and costumes. An improv class draws thespians ages 8 to 12, while another course on the fundamentals of auditioning is popular with those ages 11 to 18. On a recent evening a circle of young people loosened up with breathing and stretching techniques in preparation for an upcoming production of “Into the Woods.”

Classes are kept small so that no performer gets lost in the wings, said STG studio and education director Laura Heath, a Prairie View Elementary School teacher. Heath partners with Lee’s Summit West High School theater teacher Brad Rackers, a founding member and acting director of the STG board, as well as the studio instructor of musical production classes.

“We want every kid to have their time in the spotlight,” Heath said. “We’re here to teach them how to shine.”

Socialization skills are a huge bonus.

“It helps pull them out of their shell,” she said. She described one little girl who came to the studio somewhat reticent and just started to bloom. “And now she has this voice.”

When she was called on to fill in for a singer at Downtown Days with little notice, she was up to the task of singing, “The sun’ll come out tomorrow” from the musical “Annie.”

“It was amazing to see the growth she’s had.”

These students also learn valuable skills they’ll need to compete in the job market one day, Heath said. It will be their creativity and other “soft skills” that set them apart. They come away with a grasp of cooperative communication, critical thinking, time management, adaptability and problem-solving.

Classes are kept small so no performer gets lost in the wings. “We want every kid to have their time in the spotlight. We’re here to teach them how to shine.”

Madyn Davies, 12, switched to STG from a previous company after hearing about it from friends. She appreciates the group’s unique audition process, the swift distribution of scripts and learning how to work with lots of different people. She’s also learning what actors of any age face: “How to behave when receiving criticism and how to accept rejection when you don’t get what you want.”

Her first role was in STG’s production of “Beauty and the Beast,” and last fall she joined the cast of “Frozen.”

“I was a shy person,” Madyn said. She was prone to embarrassment on stage and off. Now poised and articulate, her training has changed her. “It’s made me more my own person and not afraid of what other people think of me.”

After a few years with the group, she now has professional aspirations.

“I can’t imagine my life without theater,” she said.

Class and school break camp descriptions, schedules and registration dates can be found here or on the group’s Facebook page. The spring session runs from March 11 to May 11. Private lessons and several adult classes are also available.