The rising chorus of dozens of young voices filled the Rocklane Christian Church and spilled out into the hallways.
Participants in the Center Grove Fine Arts Academy had come together on a frigid February morning. Cast members of “Peter Pan,” the academy’s next show, were warming up for a full day of rehearsals and practice.
About 115 young people, ranging in ages from 8 to 18, were cast in the show. Parents and volunteers gathered around them providing direction and encouragement.
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Though opening night for the show was two months away, excitement still rippled through the group.
With opportunities for youth theater still relatively scarce on the southside, a Center Grove-based program has found success touting participation for all. Center Grove Fine Arts Academy has built a successful program by ensuring that anyone who wants to take part in their camps and performances has that opportunity.
From first-time actors to children with special needs to experienced thespians, organizers want everyone to be part of the magic of theater.
“We connect kids with their God-given talents, as well as connecting the kids with the community,” said Lawana Penrod, whose son Nate has been part of the academy for the past three years. “We set the bar high, because we know whatever our expectations are, that’s what the kids strive for.”
Though opening night for the performance wasn’t for another two months, there was a sense of urgency in using every minute of available time they had. Snowy weather in January had put the cast behind schedule. Because participants come from all over central Indiana, the academy is only able to meet once a week, said Mark Landis, director of the academy.
So much responsibility falls on the young cast members to learn their lines and be ready when they gather together. They’ve met the challenge.
“Losing 11 hours of contact with the students was a killer. But we’ve extended our time together on Saturdays. And the kids have really buckled down and taken ownership already. They’re pushing hard and learning it,” Landis said.
Callie Cox lives in Lebanon, but when she learned about the program through friends, she wanted to be a part of it. She has been cast in two shows, and is a student director for “Peter Pan.”
“I wanted to act for a long time, but I was too scared to sing in musicals. But when I finally made the leap, it was the easiest thing with this group. They’re so supportive,” she said. “There are so many different areas that you can grow in, and they’re there to coach you. It’s not a competitive environment. Everyone is here to support you.”
Since it was founded in 2014, the academy has staged 12 productions, including “Godspell,” “Annie” and “Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat.” In the spring, the organization staged “Mary Poppins.”
Participants are given different roles on stage, behind the scenes and with musical ensembles. Parents volunteer to help build sets, do costumes, keep backstage organized and apply makeup to the actors.
“We’re a home-school family, so it was great to have an opportunity to be part of a group like this,” Penrod said. “But we didn’t realize at the time that this was going to be a family that we were joining. That’s really what (the Center Grove Fine Arts Academy) is. Everyone jumps in to get things done.”
Penrod and her family became involved in the academy three years ago. Her son, 13-year-old Nate, is in his seventh production, and will be playing Smee in “Peter Pan.”
He’s flourished in the environment, Penrod said. But in the same way, her other two children have also found a home with the academy. Joe, 11, and Christine, 8, have special needs, but they have found a place in the academy as well.
“It’s been amazing to me to see how welcoming everyone is of them,” Penrod said. “We started doing sensory-friendly shows, which is huge for us. It’s a safe place where I can bring them and I know no one is going to look at them weird if they start screaming during a show because they’re excited.”
The inclusive mindset is what organizers and participants say sets the academy apart.
“It’s vital that kids have an opportunity to participate. Arts are being cut and limited in so many capacities through education. It’s crazy to me that they don’t all have an opportunity to be touched by music or art or theater,” said Abbey Ziemba, director for “Peter Pan” and a southside resident. “Knowing that every kid who tries out for us gets a part is such an important piece for us. It lets every kid who has an interest try.”
Participants in the academy come from all over the Indianapolis area. Many are students at local schools, but a large number are homeschooled students as well.
The different perspectives and experiences the cast brings to the academy makes it unique, Ziemba said.
“It’s been a really fun activity. Kids that go to mainstream educational opportunities have a ton of choices. But for homeschool kids, we offer an opportunity that they don’t necessarily have an option for,” she said.
This year has been full of change for the Center Grove Fine Arts Academy. When the organization was founded in 2014, it started as a ministry of Center Grove Church.
But in late 2018, the academy made the transition into being an independent nonprofit, Landis said.
“The transition was smooth; financially we’re in a good spot. Once we became a nonprofit, the funding came in a little bit easier,” he said.
As a nonprofit, the group has focused on fundraising to support the camps and productions it puts on. A black-tie gala scheduled for March 2 is the organization’s first large-scale benefit. The academy did hold a gala in 2018, but it was quickly planned and much smaller than this event, Penrod said.
“We’re eager to help raise awareness in the community about our program and bring in new blood,” she said. “We want to grow new interest in the program.”
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Masquerade Under the Stars
What: A fundraising gala for the Center Grove Fine Arts Academy, a southside-based youth theater group.
When: 6 p.m. March 2
Where: The Sycamore at Mallow Run, 7070 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville
Attire: Business formal, black tie optional
What is featured: The evening starts with hors d’oeuvres and drinks, followed by a buffet dinner provided by Grafton Peek Catering. Entertainment will showcase students participating in the academy. A silent auction will be held online throughout the evening.
Tickets: $50 per person. Reservations are required by Feb. 26.
Information and to buy tickets: cgfinearts.org/masquerade-under-the-stars
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Center Grove Fine Arts Academy
What: An educational theater arts ministry that formed at Center Grove Church with the idea of including all children ages 8 to 18 in theater production
Cost: $150 per person for each show, though scholarships are available for students
Summer camps: The academy offers week-long summer camps for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Camps are $150-$200 for the week, and are held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The camp schedule is as follows:
"Disney Around the World" — June 10-14; for students in kindergarten through third grade
"Broadway Rocks" — June 17-21; for students in third through eighth grade
"Madrigal Dinner Theatre" — June 23-29; for students in seventh through 12th grade
"Sarge’s Diner Dinner Theatre" — July 14-20; for students in seventh through 12th grade
Information on future performances and activities: cgfinearts.org
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