arts & entertainment

Thursday night’s Alumni Showcase demonstrated to a delighted audience the value of Riverside Theatre for Kids (RTK) Youth Tuition Assistance program.

In 1980, after years of success in bringing the performing arts to the local community, Riverside Theatre donors, patrons and planners pledged their support and financial backing to establish the Riverside Children’s Theatre (RCT) program. Producing several full-scale productions each year, the education program, re-christened Riverside Theatre for Kids (RTK) a few years ago, provides area youngsters the opportunity to participate in productions on stage or backstage under the guidance and tutelage of professional directors, teachers, artists, and technicians. 

The evening’s program began with Jon Moses acknowledging those who were instrumental in starting education programs and responsible for it flourishing. They included Michael Kint, the first Education Director, Linda and Dan Downey, who worked for years to build the program, and former teachers, Jeremy Baker, Jennifer Patty and Karen Wiggins.

Then Kevin Quillinan, Director of Theatre Education, shared how much the program has grown in the 19 years he has been there. He then introduced the first alumna to perform, Emily Olssen, who did several songs and a duet with fellow alumnus, David Callahan. David then performed before introducing Adam Schnell, Director of Dance Education, who gave an overview of the RFK dance program before bringing in alumna, Shannon Maloney, who talked about growing up in the program. She then did a duet with Jamari Darling, who went through the program with her. Jamari performed solo, then did a duet with Bryce Roux, whose mother, Jennifer Patty, mentored Jamari at St. Eds and then Riverside. Bryce performed several songs, then all five Alumni Showcase grads sang a final number.

Kevin Quillinan then returned to introduce the 30+ member cast of Legally Blonde, who performed a number from their show.

It was an inspiring show for audience and performers alike. It was also a huge success in raising funds for the Youth Tuition Assistance program that will enable many budding performers who might not have the opportunity otherwise.

The five alumni performers have landed careers either in professional theater, education, child services and sports management. But it was their experiences in the RFK education programs that helped light the way to their successful adults careers.