Lee family brings the kids back on stage

By Joe Lanane

July 05, 2008 08:55 pm

— LAPEL — When Lee’s Theatre closed shop in Anderson this past March, the future seemed uncertain for the family-run operation. But the show must go on, and the Lee family wasted no time in making sure it did.
“A lot of kids were upset when we were closing because (performing) is their outlet,” said studio co-operator Marcie Greenlee, who attributed high overhead costs behind the Lee’s Theatre closing. “We figured out how we could keep this going and not spend as much money as we were.”
As a result, Kidz Take the Stage officially opened last month in downtown Lapel. Despite the new location, Greenlee and her mother, Denise Lee, said it was business as usual inside the new performing arts studio. While they no longer have a center stage to perform main acts, they have added services that include a more expansive and personable outreach for aspiring youth.
For example, many faithful patrons of Lee’s Theatre have already attended individual audition tutoring in Lapel, which offers key insight on how to obtain the lead role of future productions. Also, auditions will begin to fill roles for the upcoming showcase “Beauty and the Beast,” which is scheduled Aug. 15-16 at an as-yet undetermined location.
“We were hoping someone would purchase (Lee’s Theatre) and then for a minimum fee we’d be able to use it if we have a production,” Greenlee said. “But as of now, we don’t have any chance of that for the upcoming show.”
As mother and daughter continue scouring sites throughout the area, Lee said, the bulk of their efforts remain within the new studio. If nothing else, she said, Kidz Take the Stage offers children an alternative from the norm.
“Every community you’re in, whether it’s Anderson, Pendleton or Lapel, all you hear is that there is nothing for kids to do,” Lee said. “Well, we’re offering something. It’s all for the kids.”
So far, Greenlee said, 20 children had registered for the show, and she hopes for additional walk-ins Monday when auditions begin.
“We knew we’d bring some of the old kids with us, but we were hoping to have new kids — we’d love to have new kids,” Greenlee said.
Even before the Anderson theater closed, Lee said, they were forced to let go employees they could no longer afford to pay. Since then, many parents have chipped in by voluntarily building sets and additional materials.
Jim George, Anderson resident and father of 8-year-old Riley, credits Greenlee for improving both his son’s coordination and abilities on stage over the past two years they’ve worked together. In return, he has willingly lent a helping hand behind the scenes.
“I just started helping and hanging around, doing a lot of the things they needed to do, and I just kind of worked into the role of building the sets and setting the stage,” George said.
While it serves mostly as a hobby for George, he has no qualms with contributing to what he considers to be a worthwhile effort.
“They are doing a service for the kids, and they needed quality sets that work for them and enhance what they’re doing, so I just thought I could lend a hand,” George said.
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If you go...
What: “Kidz Take The Stage” Performing Arts Center
Where: 916 N. Main St., Lapel
When: Auditions for “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” begin Monday, July 7, at 1 p.m.
Who: Kids age 5-14
Cost: $225 covers practice sessions and costumes
Phone: (765) 602-4774

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