Directing a play is on Amber Webb's bucket list. When the 14-year-old learned registration opened for the first session of Itsy Bitsy Broadway, a new education theatre program for children, in early 2017, she thought, "Why not be in one?"
Now in her third 12-week theater session at Itsy Bitsy Broadway, Webb has played multiple roles, continues to learn all aspects of theater and forms new friendships among peers with the same passion.
"All of us are here for the same reason: theater. No matter what every one of us is going to get a part and we are going to love that part," Webb said.
Webb has an important part of a new endeavor through Muse, Itsy Bitsy Broadway's parent theater company. Her original 10-minute play will join four others from local teen and adult playwrights as part of the 24-Hour Theatre Project on Feb. 24 at Itsy Bitsy Broadway in Jefferson City's Capital Mall.
The playwrights have recently worked with Itsy Bitsy Broadway's technical director Jon-Michael Rutter, who also has an original play in the 24-Hour Theatre Project. Registration is open through 6 p.m. Feb. 23 for teens to sign up to participate in the 24-Hour Theatre Project, which includes auditions, memorization, block, rehearse and performance within 24 hours.
On Feb. 23, participants will audition and about 20 teens will be selected. A full day of learning the plays such as Glennette Thompson's "I Dream of Dresses" begins at 9 a.m. Feb. 24 and ends with a community production of the five 10-minute plays at 6 p.m. on the venue's stage.
"It is very family focused. At some point we might have different types of 24-hour theater projects, but if they are registered they are in," said Kira Rutter, owner and director of Muse and Itsy Bitsy Broadway. "It is something my college used to do and I would participate in, and it was a ton of fun. The commitment is nice, too, for families. It is a new adventure, and I'm excited about it."
Community engagement like the 24-Hour Theater Project are what fuels Kira Rutter's passion for her longtime dream in Muse and Itsy Bitsy Broadway, something she has wanted to do since she was young.
Rutter went on to graduate in theater education from Brigham Young University, where she met her husband Jon-Michael.
Rutter said the basic set-up of Itsy Bitsy Broadway provides children with a hands-on experience in all aspects of theater. A flat tuition per term covers a child's 12 lessons, headshots, costumes, sets, venue space, cast parties, sets, light equipment, DVD production, and everything on and off stage to perform and present a production at the end of the term, all housed at the program's location at Capital Mall. In addition, classes are currently divided into two age groups from about 3-6 years old and about 7-14 years old, each group meeting once a week.
"Part of our design of the program is "bite-size" for kids to try out theater without putting their family in a bind. We do once a week classes for 12 weeks and then a production week where we perform do promotion performances at the (Missouri River Regional) library and at Capital Mall," Rutter said.
Webb has received that experience, playing three different characters in "Frumpled Fairy Tales" her first term, one character in a mystery production last fall and as Ma Tolliver, the head of a one hillbilly clan in the older age group's spring 2018 ensemble musical production of "A Fussin' & a Feudin'," with regular spring showcases set for 6 p.m. April 27 and 2 p.m. April 28.
Rutter said education goes hand-in-hand with each lesson. Tiered to each age group, the students practice backstage etiquette, onstage etiquette, curtain calls and stage theories, as well as time for team-building exercises, charades and other games to get their creative juices flowing.
Rutter also has parents who enjoy getting involved in the productions, with Jessica Cayou acting as the company's creative director with set, costume and props used throughout the shows and Jennifer Kimlinger assisting in directing students and managing backstage workings of the show as stage manager.
Born and raised in Jefferson City, Kimlinger feels Itsy Bitsy Broadway is needed in the community, and sees how her children are benefiting from the class, particularly her aspiring actress and singer 9-year-old Haley.
"My daughter wants to do this, but to commit to a big production that has her meeting for several nights over several weeks is hard. This gives her the experience and the taste of what it is like to be in a production with a smaller commitment in a more learning environment," she said. "This gives them a chance to be a part of something and learn valuable skills like taking direction, public speaking, gaining confidence and creativity. Kira gives the kids a voice, allowing them to ask questions and have input. It is a great avenue for them, and they have a great teacher."
Haley agrees. "(Kira) is really good with theater. If we go to a different theater company, she has shown us what we could expect in being in their plays. She shows you improvisation, backstage and onstage. It is so fun."
To register for the 24-Hour Theater Project or more information about Muse Theater Company or Itsy Bitsy Broadway, email [email protected] or visit musetheatrecompany.com or Muse Theatre Company's Facebook page.