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0919 September
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by virginia brown w hen jenny
ballard
was 11 years old, her parents took her to see a play. it was shakespeare?s as you like it ?an experience that she?s never forgotten. ?i remember the way it transformed the way i thought about the world,? she
says
. ?from the lights going down to the set pieces changing?i felt like i could do anything, full of hope, like there was magic in the world.? today,
ballard
, 41, lives that passion in her role as managing artistic director of
theatre
baton rouge. since 1947, the theater has produced and staged over 400 performances, from musicals and comedies to the classics. ?i wanted to be involved in that for the rest of my life,? she
says
. ?i wanted to create worlds like that so others could have that feeling.? in today?s environment of judgement and bullying, other worlds may prove increasingly important for today?s kids.
theatre
specifically,
says
ballard
, teaches tangible life skills, from confidence, empathy, and teamwork to decision-making and public speaking. ?you learn the ability to walk in another person?s shoes, and learn about cultures and lifestyles that you might not otherwise be exposed to,? she
says
. ?i think that?s more important than ever.? for baton rouge?s youngest, there are many ways to get involved, namely through the young actors program. young actors perform a free production for children; they also take the performance to area schools. hope carline?s children have been involved in the young actors program for over two years. with a background in musical
theatre
and dance herself, carline now makes costumes and supports her 13-year-old daughter, sammie?s,
theatre
interests. carline?s son, zachary, 15, who has always loved to sing and dance, also participates. ?they have both made lasting relationships,? she
says
. ?and they always feel safe and welcome to be whoever they want to be when they walk through those doors.? the
theatre
offers year-round classes and camps for ages five and up. classes center on the basics of performance?acting, voice instruction, and improvisation. october brings open auditions for a christmas carol , and the
theatre
ends its season with roald dahl?s matilda . ?this show is a great example of the power of imagination,?
says
ballard
. ?exposing your kids to
theatre
grows that imagination in them, so they can tap into the world inside their heads.? the arts cover kid 2018-19 ayden j. photo credit: kleinpeter photography for the love of 4 6 b r p a r e n t s . c o m | s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 9
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