Kids Kabaret gives everyone a shot

Kidz Kabaret founder Kandiss Hernandez would like all children to experience performing live theater. Her Naperville business gives children that opportunity and will stage "Biloxi Blues" this weekend at The Comedy Shrine in Naperville.

What began less than five years ago as a backyard production someday will have a children's theater of its own if Hernandez's dream comes true. She sees children's growth in the arts as being as important as participating in organized sports.

Q. What is the history of Kidz Kabaret?

A. It began the summer of 2003, when my daughter basically fell apart in an audition and I realized that because she was only in fifth grade, she was not trained to audition. I thought, it doesn't make sense that my son is nurtured in sports and taught skills to help him grow in the sport, but we do not do that in theater. We expect a person to audition and if they don't make it, they do not get the part. I then worked with a group of my daughter's friends in a summer stock tradition where we made everything for a backyard production.

Q. What personal experience do you bring to the group?

A. I am degreed in theater and performance, then studied in New York at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, received my actor's equity card and worked professionally. When I started my family, I was very selective of roles. I wrote two cabarets to highlight my work because I wanted to perform.

Q. Why do you write the plays?

A. I write for the kids in the kindergarten through fifth-grade level to make sure every child gets a part. If a chorus is necessary, I double cast (the show) to make sure every child gets a part in one and the chorus in the other, so they learn to support their fellow actors as well as get that main shot at being in center stage. That is where kids grow and learn. It is like asking a baseball player never to bat. Someone should not always be in the field; each should get a turn at bat. So we make sure every child gets center stage.

Q. How does a child benefit from being in theater?

A. Being in theater helps you in so many other aspects of our life. You grow in self-confidence, are able to articulate and connect with other human beings. I believe there are more reasons to have theater in a person's life than just the performance part of it. With every show you do, you get better and better.

Q. Can any child participate?

A. Absolutely. We have grown by word of mouth from 18 to 275. You need to be taught to bring something out to give to the audience; it isn't a natural thing. When a child sees another child on stage they ask their mother, "Would I be able to do that?" and the answer is, "Yes."

Q. What is your facility on Quincy Avenue like?

A. We have a great space that is a mock rehearsal space. We can't perform here, but the stage is exactly like the Comedy Shrine stage where we perform, so the kids get a feel for the theater. We have two large classrooms and a huge costume shop. We can costume more than 200 kids. We also have a break hangout room where kids can be kids. We offer classes, workshops and shows.

Q. Is the "Biloxi Blues" show appropriate for all ages?

A. No. "Biloxi Blues" is a part of a trilogy of Neal Simon's life. It is the coming of age for young men and it deals with war, so I would say it would be a great show for high school students. It is a funny show but still deals with real mature problems and is not for young children.

Q. Can you describe your no-audition policy?

A. I believe you cannot be competitive to audition if you are not trained to do it. The only real way to learn acting is to do a lot of it. Acting is the study of life and you are able to teach performing to people. You may not be able to teach passion and energy that comes from within, but you can learn the skills and gain the confidence to stand in front of others. It is a building block process.

Q. Do you compete with professional children's theater?

A. Most children's theater uses adults to perform for kids, so it is not a competitive thing for us. This is a different step that empowers kids to perform. Nine out of 10 of our shows are totally family oriented, but a few have a little more drama and edgy material like in "Biloxi Blues." Parents can call us if they have a question. Our "A Feisty Festive Tail" during the holidays is a completely child-oriented show.

-- Joan Broz

If you go

What: "Biloxi Blues" by Kidz Kabaret

When: 2 p.m. Sunday, 7 p.m. Monday

Where: The Comedy Shrine, 22 E. Chicago Avenue, Naperville

Tickets: $10 adults; $8 students and seniors; $7 age 10 and under

Box office: Open noon to 4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at 1665 Quincy Ave., Unit 143, Naperville

Info: (630) 355-9212, kidzkabaret@sbcglobal.net or kidzkabaret.com