The history of theatre spans millennia, with roots tracing back to ancient civilizations and evolving through various cultural and historical periods. From ancient rituals and storytelling in Greece and Rome to the religious dramas of the Middle Ages and the flourishing of Renaissance and Restoration theater, the art form has continuously adapted and reflected societal changes.
In the early 1900s, an array of children’s theater activity sparked creativity and imagination, informed, and educated young people with live performances. The Moscow Theatre for Children (now the Russian Academic Youth Theatre), often considered the world’s first professional children’s theatre, was founded in 1918 and then followed movements in both the United States and Europe.
The Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis, founded in 1965, became one of the first professional theatres for young audiences in the country while the Playground Movement and progressive education advocates (such as John Dewey) supported theatre as a tool for learning and creativity.
Closer to home, Southeast Texas Stages, which was born in 1925 as Beaumont’s “Little Theatre,” began as a humble troupe rehearsing in spaces around the city. In 1930, the group built the Little Theatre in what was Beaumont’s Fair Park. From the beginning, the Little Theatre had a large and enthusiastic following.
The company has since grown to produce eight shows per season, including four musicals, and five children’s camps per summer.
For the past 30 years, young actors of all ages in their KIDmunity program present shows of some of the country’s most popular productions. Thanks to age-appropriate storytelling, interactive elements, educational value and high artistic quality, Southeast Texas Stages’ programs are like no other.
KIDmunity is geared specifically towards youngest thespians. Children are divided into groups based on the school grades they will be entering in the fall – Jester (4th-6th grade), Krewe (7th-9th grade), Troupe (10th-12th grade) and InterACT (ages 8 and older), which is a collaboration with Lamar University’s Department of Speech & Hearing Sciences that uses theatre to encourage education, language enrichment, self-advocacy, peer mentorship and performance opportunities for children who are neurodiverse and of all abilities.
The KIDmunity Krewe has been rehearsing and will perform Disney’s “Frozen Jr.” for three shows Friday, July 11, at 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 12.
Directed by Angel Suitt, this enchanting modern classic is based on the 2018 Broadway musical, and brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life onstage. A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, “Frozen, Jr.” expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. Join us as we explore the powerful bond of sisterhood, with a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor.
Some of the cast include Katerina Tomav (Elsa), Riley Brady (Anna), Kinsley Barnes (Olaf), Kye Bergal (Kristoff) and Damon Moody (Hans).
The KIDmunnity Troupe will perform “Legally Blonde” on Friday, July 18, at 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 19.
This high-energy musical, performed by our incredibly talented students, promises an unforgettable experience full of heart and humor. Elle Woods follows her ex to Harvard Law, then faces doubt and judgment – but refuses to give up. With heart, humor, and heels, she shatters stereotypes and shows the world what true confidence looks like.
Students set to take the stage are Tiauna Smith (Elle Woods), Bryan Barajs (Emmett Forrest), Lakhya Cottman (Paulette Buonofuonte), Jordan Hasleden (Vivienne Kensington), Ryan Hill (Warner Huntington III), Lizzie Vitanza (Brooke Wyndham) and many others.
“The kids who are in this program are elite performers,” said John Mandredi, executive director. “They’ve been doing dance or theatre or singing for most of their lives, many of them coming up in this program. The high school shows are just as solid in performance and theatrical value as our season shows – they get better and better every year. Even if you don’t have a child in the program, you will love this performance.”
Tickets for all shows can be purchased online at setxs.org or at the box office from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) and noon-5 p.m. on Wednesdays.
The Betty Greenberg Center for Performing Arts is located at 4155 Laurel St. in Beaumont.
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Krewe students rehearse ‘Frozen Jr.’