The Power of Theatre: How Fairmount Inspires Young Performers
Theatre has always been a magical place where creativity thrives, and nowhere is that more evident than at the Fairmount Center for the Arts. For children, it’s not just about learning lines or perfecting a scene; it’s about growth, friendship, and discovering the joy of creativity.
Recently, we spoke with one of our young performers, Abby Kirby, a 14-year-old aspiring actress, who will be performing in the role of Peter Pan in Fairmount’s Youth Theatre production of Peter Pan Jr. Abby shared her experience performing in Fairmount productions and its impact. Here’s a glimpse into what makes Fairmount Youth Theatre truly special.
A Place to Connect and Thrive
For Abby, Fairmount is much more than just a space to act—it’s where she connects with others and finds a sense of belonging.
“I participate in theatre at Fairmount because I love acting and have made great friends along the way.”
This sense of community is one of the reasons why Fairmount stands out—it’s not just about performing; it's about creating connections.
Fun, Learning, and Lasting Friendships
Rehearsals at Fairmount are a blend of fun, teamwork, and learning new skills. Abby explains, "I really enjoy working with the other kids, and the directors are amazing! Rehearsals are so much fun, and I think this experience is great for kids." The laughter and camaraderie during practice are key to making the theatre program experience unforgettable. It’s where kids can grow as performers and as people, forming friendships that last long after the final curtain falls.
The Thrill of Performance
One of the most exciting aspects of theatre is the chance to perform in front of an audience, and for young actors like Abby, this is a truly rewarding experience. "I love playing a role and seeing the audience's reactions," Abby says. The excitement of impacting an audience—especially younger theater goers —is one of the biggest highlights for older children like Abby. "It’s so rewarding to see younger kids react to the show. If they're enjoying it, that's what matters most to me," she adds. Knowing that her hard work and dedication have created something that brings joy to others makes every performance that much more meaningful.
Valuable Skills for Life
Theatre at Fairmount is about more than just memorizing lines—it’s about gaining valuable life skills that can last a lifetime. "Theatre teaches you things like singing, dancing, and acting, which could turn into a career, or just be something you enjoy as a hobby," says Abby. Fairmount is not only a place to act; it’s a space where kids can explore their creativity, learn new things, and discover what they truly love.
“The Fairmount Center is a great place for children to discover what they love, offering countless opportunities for young creatives to express themselves.”
Support from the Community
When attending a Fairmount Youth Theatre production, you are providing a powerful sense of support to the young actors, which is felt so strongly by those under the spotlight. Attending a performance isn't just about watching a show; it's about celebrating the hard work, creativity, and teamwork that go into creating something truly special and makes all the difference to Abby and her castmate’s experience.
“People should come to performances like Peter Pan Jr. because we’ve worked really hard to put on the show. We’ve spent so much time rehearsing and preparing, and knowing the community supports us means a lot.”
You can help support children like Abby and Fairmount’s youth theatre program by attending an upcoming show or making a donation. Producing a show, like Peter Pan Jr., involves various costs, including purchasing performance rights, which can cost as much as $1,000. Your donation—of any size—makes a difference and directly supports Fairmount’s thriving youth theatre program. Donate today and be a part of bringing the magic of theater to life!
Fairmount’s Youth Theatre productions would not be made possible without the time and talents of our dedicated and skilled theatre directors! Peter Pan Jr. is directed by Patti Susman with choreography by Merlynne Hancock and music direction by Joan Bendix. Fairmount’s second Youth theatre production, Shrek Jr., is directed by Jasmine Renee with stage management by Cody Swanson, choreography by Andrea Belser, and music direction by Bruno Bush. These wonderful theatre arts superheroes pour their power into our young actors and actresses so that they may shine on stage. Consider supporting them and their important work with a gift to Fairmount.
