Kids And Drama... not what you think.

As a single dad of three grade school-aged kids, I have been a first-party recipient of kids drama. With the adjustments to our lifestyle when I became a single dad late last year, drama became a daily occurance, especially with my 6-year-old daughter. Throwing fits, refusing to do what she was told, and her having many 'moods' became all part of her repitoire.

It took much patience on my part - always showing love and not loosing my cool (too much), along with a little outside 'help' to quell these episodes. Thankfully, these incidences have subsided and she and I are back to having great 'drama-free' times together.

But the 'kids drama' I want to talk about today is not behavorial. A couple months ago we interviewed on the Morning Show Miranda Sue Hartmann from the All-Of-Us-Express Children's Theatre - a great group that lets kids experience the full realm of putting on stage preformances for the general public. From acting, set design and building, costumes, makeup, and props the kids at All-Of-Us-Express Children's Theatre get the full experience of putting on stage productions - all on their own. Miranda has a passion and genuine excitement for this group which was more than evident in our interview - something I was truly captivated by and admire in her.

Tonight, April 25, the All-Of-Us-Express Children's Theatre is teaming up with the Riverwalk Theatre to to open a joint production of the Rudyard Kipling classic "Jungle Book" running weekends through May 4th. I will be going to see a performance of this production with great enthusiasm. Seeing kids learning the ropes in 'donning the cap and bells' and 'treading under the precinium arch' is not only fantastic to see, but reminds me of my childhood.

Growing up, I was a 'shy kid'. (I know, hard to believe with me being on the radio!) So, my parents got me involved in music and drama. They encouraged me to audition for roles in productions at the prestigeous Players Guild of Dearborn - where such well-known actors as George Peppard, Chad Everett and Tom Skerrit first got their stage chops. Not only did I get over my shyness, but the experiences I had as a kid performing on stage still serve me well doing the radio thing and public appearances I make from time to time.

So I encourage you to go visit the Riverwalk Theatre and see the All-Of-Us-Express Children's Theatre production of "Jungle Book" tonight through May 4th. You'll help some kids get some life experiences of performing for a live audience that will stay with them for a lifetime , and Miranda will be so pleased and proud. In the future I plan on sharing my childhood theatre experiences with the kids at All-Of-Us-Express Children's Theatre and giving them some pointers to help them be great Thespians.