El Paso KIDS-N-CO. was founded in 1988, as a response to the lack of continuing quality theater for the entire family 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. Children who are cast in plays learn from the older teens and adults with whom they act. At times whole familes end up in a single production!
We are dedicated to providing a quality theater experience to our students regardless of their economic, ethnic or educational background. There is no cost to participate in productions. Auditions are open to the entire community. The regular theater season consists of five productions a year, two of which are given performances at Chamizal National Memorial. Children who might never otherwise see a live theater presentation are bussed in for these shows.
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 2010 Summer Camp, for example, we had 114 students, six teachers, eight student teaching assistants and an executive director. We performed for 854 audience members including special invitees from the El Paso Child Crisis Center. 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 22 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 and Los 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.