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El Paso KIDS-N-Co was founded in 1988,
as a response to the lack of continuing
quality theater for and by children on a year-round basis. The goal was
to enhance school programs by offering training and performing
opportunities to El Paso's young people, based on ability, not age. We
are
dedicated to providing a quality theater experience and hands-on
theatrical training to the children of the El Paso area, regardless of
their economic, ethnic or educational background. The regular theater
season consists of four productions a year and some additional extra
productions from season to season. There is no cost to our young
thespians for participation in productions.
The backbone of KIDS-N-CO is the theater school, where all facets of
the theater are taught to young people, 5 and up. Tuition helps defray
the cost of instructors and a scholarship program is available.
Our commitment to being a part of the whole community is reflected in
the fact that we have participants in every zip code in the city. Our
children came together without regard to their families' economic or
educational background. No child has ever turned away because of
inability to pay. They mix and work with children from throughout the
city, and the only important criterion for acceptance is how they
function as a cast or crew member. In the 2003 Summer Camp, for
example, we had 81 students, six student teaching assistants and
employed three teachers and a theater manager. We performed for 703
audience members. Our impact is felt deeply in this city.
With cut backs to arts programs in the schools, parents have limited
options to develop their artistic talents. For many children, this is
the primary area in which they can excel, gain self-esteem and develop
a positive self-image. In 16 years as an organization, to our
knowledge, we have never had a child get involved with drugs or gangs
or have problems with the law. We have had students who went on to
become professional actors in New York or Las Angeles. We have had
many more students who have won scholarships to arts colleges and
universities. And, at the very least, all of our students have become
theatergoers for life.
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Unfortunately, KIDS-N-CO has had difficulty staying in one stable home.
In late 2000 we were forced to move from our home of ten years in the
Sunland Park Mall. For the next two years we were downtown, next door
to the historic Plaza Theater. But, due to the renovation of the Plaza
Theater, we were once again forced to relocate in late 2002. For the
last two years, Radford School has been kind enough to let us use their
auditorium and a class room, but all the while we have been searching
for a place to call our own.
We have finally found space at 1301 and 1305 Texas Avenue. The
building's long theater history started with Guy/Rex Productions, and
continued with the Southwest Repertory Organization (SRO) and Aardvark
Theater. We are very fortunate to have found such a wonderful home!
However, as with all homes, rent and utilities have to be paid. While
part of the facility is being renovated, the building still needs some
repairs to bring it up to KIDS-N-CO standards. Admission prices,
tuition fees, and grant awards are not enough to help us bring quality
theater for and by children to our illustrious city. Therefore, we are
asking people of the city to help us
get the theater through the current season and school year.
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