Kids in the Limelight

The cafeteria at Voorhees High School in Glen Gardner, N.J., (pop. 1,902) is alive with music and dancing as members of Carolyn Newman’s SKIT—Show Kids Invitational Theater—rehearse their next show, the musical Me and My Girl.

Newman founded SKIT in her living room nearly 15 years ago with seven children rehearsing songs and dances from Really Rosie.

“The Clinton Arts Center (in Clinton, a neighboring town) was scheduled for renovation,” she says, “and they asked if I would direct a show for them. My daughter was in a skit with some very talented kids at her elementary school. I thought they would enjoy being in a production.”

Aside from a brief stint at the age of 12 putting on plays in neighbors’ garages to benefit a local church, Newman, a nutritionist, had no theater experience—but felt she had an instinct for what makes good theater. A production department of one, she created costumes, props, tickets, and did promotion for Really Rosie. After the first performance, a swarm of parents wanted to register their kids for her theater group. “I said, ‘What group?’” she recalls, laughing.

From that production in 1986, SKIT has grown to more than 175 children, age 7 to 18, and adult volunteers who handle everything from costumes to concessions—with 50 kids under 13 in the pre-SKIT program. With Newman at the helm full time, they’ve created a community-centered theater.

Petite and soft-spoken, Newman’s demeanor belies the respect she’s earned from her performers. She may occasionally raise her voice to get them settled, but uses encouragement and applause to motivate better performances.

“We’re going to be good, or we’re not doing it” is her motto, and she’s been known to reschedule opening nights. “I’ve been serious about this from the beginning. They work too hard to appear in front of an audience and not feel like a million bucks.

“The talent is amazing,” Newman continues. “There are so many real artists in the community who volunteer time. Our musical director, photographer, costume designer, seamstresses, prop master, and choreographer are all volunteers.”

SKIT has been nominated more than 20 times for New Jersey’s coveted theater recognition, the Perry Awards. The group has fared well, recently earning a Perry in 2000 for choreography in Crazy for You and two in 1999 for 42nd Street.

From a $200 production of Really Rosie, the nonprofit SKIT now boasts three productions a year, with costs in the five-figure range. Tuition is on a sliding scale and no one is turned away. Additional funding comes from grants and donations. Ticket sales never cover costs, though most shows sell out at $8-$14 per ticket.

SKIT is a family affair for Newman. Her husband, Tom, volunteers as an actor, and all her children—Krisy, 25, Holly, 22, and Joel, 19—have been involved, ranging from acting to directing.

Joan Chavez, an adult SKIT actor whose son was involved while he was in high school, says, “You forge a bond with your children when you work with them in SKIT. I’m one of my son’s best friends, and I don’t think that would’ve happened without SKIT.”

Suzanne Pisano, promotions director, adds, “There’s no ego here. Any child can walk up to any adult and get mothered or fathered.” Kids routinely cheer for each other at auditions, even when competing for parts.

Liza Caby, an adult SKIT actor, participates with daughters, Nicole, 12, and Danielle, 15. “It’s given me more confidence as a community college instructor,” she says. “And it’s created a lot of fun memories for us.”

Christina Palermo, 17, agrees, “There’s no pressure. Most of us don’t want to go on to professional theater. It’s for the here and now.”

“SKIT teaches kids that hard work won’t result in something that’s perfect,” Newman says, “but it will result in something that’s wonderful.”

Staci Backauskas is a frequent contributor to American Profile.

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