Pint-Sized Players

Story by Danita Boonchaisri
Courtesy Photograph

Moriah Rochlinski is a pretty and somewhat demure 12-year-old who can imagine no greater thrill than acting in community theater. Like most preteens, she is a bit uncomfortable in her skin and it is difficult to imagine her baring her soul-not to mention her singing, dancing and acting abilities-in front of a large audience. But there is no place she'd rather be and, with more than 150 performances under her young belt, Moriah ranks among the heavyweights of stage veterans.

When asked how she overcomes the human tendency toward shyness and fear of public speaking, Moriah's secret is to connect with the audience. "When I first started, I was scared," she said. "But as soon as I got friends in the group and heard people clapping, I really got into it. There's usually someone in the audience I know and that helps me overcome my shyness.

"It's also a lot of fun when the audience interacts; people at senior centers especially love us," she said.

Her mother, Diane Rochlinski, director of the Encore Kids program of the Port Tobacco Players in La Plata, thinks it is the camaraderie, teamwork and communal spirit of youth acting troupes that is the most important draw for young actors.

"The social aspect is a big benefit to the children," said Rochlinski. "When we don't meet over the summer, it's obvious that they've missed each other when they get back together."

Mary Beth Reckeweg produces the Encore Kids shows, taking care of all-important logistics, financial commitments, schedules and performance coordination. It's a lot of work but the rewards also keep her coming back year after year.

"We certainly don't do this for the money," Reckeweg said. "It's for the outreach we provide to the community and the role we play in getting these kids ready for main-stage performances when they get older."

The obvious need for a children's theater arose in the early 1990s when Carol Charnock noticed a strong interest among the children of parent actors. "At the time, there were no programs for children and so we provided an outlet for them," she said. Today, Charnock is chairperson of Encore Kids and a troupe for older children, Encore Teens. She admits it is a lot of work, but adds, "It's all worth it when you look out at the audience and see the pleasure on their faces."

Across the river in Calvert County, another group of parents and children have been gathering for nearly as long for their love of theater. The Chesapeake Theater Company for teens and Chesapeake Youth Players for the younger set have been a breeding ground for more than 160 child actors since Jackie Waymire started the troupe in 1996.

"We give every kid a chance; if they want to be on stage, they are on stage. There are a lot of good and talented kids out there-they are changing the world and making it a better place by sharing their craft," said Waymire. It is this open-door and open-minded policy that has led to the troupe's success over the past decade.

Monica Cantrell, director of the Chesapeake Youth Players, and Stephanie Schaefer, assistant director, both agree with Waymire's sentiment. "This is an educational program-it's not about creating stars or making actors, but about giving kids an opportunity that they might not get in school," said Cantrell.

Schaefer's own children, Jamie and Leigh Ann, are totally immersed in theater arts. "Jamie loves every minute of it-this is her thing."

The Chesapeake troupes perform works by Shakespeare, Rudyard Kipling and Mark Twain, in addition to classic fairy tales, musicals and original plays. A recent adaptation of "Much Ado About Nothing," had the high school actors of Chesapeake Theater Company reciting Shakespearean quips and barbs like Juilliard-trained thespians.

Using a total theater immersion approach, the children participate in all aspects of theater including acting, singing, dancing, set design, choreography, directing, musical composition and even marketing. The company runs like a well-tuned business and boasts 30 stage shows and charitable benefits that have raised over $13,000 for local amphitheater renovations and improvements. Not bad for a company that charges no dues, has no formal board, no fixed address and a host of volunteers running the show.

Moriah Rochlinski, one of Southern Maryland's best pint-sized players, sums it up neatly: "I keep coming back because it's fun."

For information on Encore Kids or Encore Teens in Charles County, contact the Port Tobacco Players at 301-932-6819 or visit online at www.encore.ptplayers.com.

For more information on Chesapeake Youth Players or the Chesapeake Theater Company in Calvert County, contact Monica Cantrell at 410-326-1534.

For information on Newtowne Theater in St. Mary's County, call 301-737-5447 or visit www.newtowneplayers.org.