Image from Kids On Stage Facebook Page.

The Greene County Kids On Stage group recently took a trip to Atlanta, Georgia to compete in the Junior Theater Festival. Kids On Stage took a group of 22 kids and performed The Lion King Jr. This year at Junior Theater Festival Atlanta, there were about 5000 people representing 110 groups from all over the nation and world.

At the Junior Theater Festival, different theater groups travel to Atlanta to showcase their musical talents. Each group has just 15 minutes to perform the musical and they have to do it without props.

“Telling a story in fifteen minutes with no props, sets, or costumes is definitely a challenge, but is truly the test of a good actor or actress.” Said Parker Harris, Founding Artistic Director.

One adjudicator, Jacob Brent said “I felt like I was seeing a Broadway show. They were all storytellers, and this group blew me away! You can tell there is a connection that runs through them. This is accomplished by strong leadership and providing a space for these children to learn and thrive.” 

Kids On Stage won the Excellence in Acting award.

“For this piece in general, the cast had to really explore how each character and animal would move and how that would be different from other characters,” said Harris. “Being awarded the Excellence in Acting award is a true testament to the talent and commitment of this team to this story and each other.” 

Jaiya Thompson won the Outstanding Performance by an Individual. “When I won the award I felt proud of myself and happy,” said Thompson. “I knew that I had done something good and it made me feel accomplished. It was a great experience for my first time at JTF.”

Rosemary Newcott, another adjudicator, said “There were beautiful dynamics from everyone - but special congratulations to Alexander Suggs, as Scar and Jaiya Thompson as Young Simba. The diversity—age wise & otherwise—reflects (the) strength of the Kids on Stage program.”

Kids On Stage is currently preparing for the Spring production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, which will be performed in April at the Greene County Wellness Center.

“I am excited to use the energy and excitement from JTF to fuel us into an incredible spring and summer season,” said Harris. “First up we have Cinderella hitting the stage in April, then summer productions of Mamma Mia! And Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. We are excited about what’s to come for our organization and those interested in getting involved can visit gckidsonstage.org to learn more!”