of WICKED!, and Sixx Orange, a Maryland native, who has taken Hollywood by storm, starring as the lead on Amazon’s The Kicks! “By having high-end talent teaching at our studio, the kids can see, and interact personally, with someone who’s done it and succeeded. It brings a whole different air to the studio. These actors are gentle, helpful, and informative to the children. It’s inspiring to watch,” Garvey says. Participants at these various children’s theaters are sometimes finding such a love for acting and production that they hope to continue with it into the future. Jackson Anderson, age 16, has pursued coaching at Stage & Screen, and has auditioned and performed at numerous productions at Anne Arundel Community College. “I really love the community aspect of theater. I enjoy meeting different kinds of people, getting to know them, and learning where they come from,” Jackson says. Kids can also take part in summer programs in theater through AACC’s Kids in College Programs.
Stage & Screen Studios in Millersville offers students small group and individual coaching, as well as stage production and screen opportunities. Director Pete Garvey and his wife, Julie Ann Garvey, started the studio three years ago and are already helping kids enjoy amazing opportunities on stage, in commercials, and in a recently produced TV pilot. Both Pete and Julie Ann have extensive acting credits and were so excited to bring that experience to kids in this region. “I am profoundly impressed with the talent of these kids and it is amazing to see their growth,” Garvey says. “At our school, not only do kids get excellent acting coaches, but we are always striving to provide professional opportunities, and skills in the technical infrastructure of various productions.” Guest artists who work with students at Stage & Screen include Allison Bailey, who plays Glinda in the Broadway National Tour whatsupmag.com | March 2021 | What’s Up? Eastern Shore
41
