More than 30 young actors take the stage in key roles in A Christmas Carol, A Ghost Story of Christmas and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. “All of the young performers in these two productions come from Charleston Stage’s Education Programs,” says Marybeth Clark, Associate Artistic Director of Charleston Stage and Director of Education. “Most have had several years of classes in acting, singing and dancing and all audition and were accepted into one of Charleston Stage’s Performance Troupes.” These troupes (Theatricals for grades 4-5 and KidStage for grades 6-8) meet in weekly workshops to further develop their acting talents. Each August members of these performance troupes are asked to audition for Charleston Stage’s MainStage and family productions. Two of this year’s performers are indicative of the dedication, hard work and talent of all 45 members of these Troupes. Josh McCoy who is playing Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol has been in the Theatricals Performance Troupe for two years and played Ignorance in last year’s production. “Acting is really magical,” says Josh. “Getting to be on stage, knowing you are going to bring a smile or joy to someone because of what you do is why I love acting.” Josh is 11-years-old and is home schooled.
Nine year old Alexandra Key plays the part of Gladys Herdman in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and is already a seasoned pro having performed in two SummerStage musicals. “I love playing Gladys and being a part of a great cast in a funny play,” says Alexandra. “Performing at Dock Street Theatre feels magical.” Alexandra has been taking classes with Charleston Stage for 3 years and has been a member of the Theatricals Performance Troupe for one year. Alexandra is a 4th grader at Ashley Hall.
