American Kids Inc. announces auditions for children’s cast of ‘Raising America’

American Kids Inc., the nation’s only little league of entertainers, is holding open auditions for the 2009 children’s cast of its patriotic musical Raising America at the Branson Mall Theatre on Jan. 31 (inclement weather date Feb. 7.

Registration, on site, opens at 12:30 p.m. in the theatre’s lobby. Singers, dancers, boys and girls, ages 8-18, are needed.

“The show has more than 25 appearances booked in Branson for 2009. This is a great opportunity for young people to share their talent gifts for the benefit of others as many of the shows are for the nation’s veterans,” said American Kids Inc. Founder Dr. Dale Smith, who along with his wife, Kathy, are rebuilding and managing the cast of singers and dancers. Brandi Ely, an alumna of American Kids Inc., will assist them.

Smith, a retired Air Force Major and a seasoned entertainer, created Raising America as an avenue for young people to develop a personal sense of patriotism and, through this exciting, fast-paced, original music show, share their talents with all types of audiences from veterans groups to mall shoppers.

“We teach patriotism and all that it entails honor, respect, loyalty, commitment, courage, self-discipline and faith,” Smith said. “After seeing a past stage show, a veteran of three tours of conflict came up to the cast and said, ‘You kids were worth all I’ve been through, I served for you.’ The stunned and grateful cast gathered in prayer backstage with an even deeper commitment to show their appreciation to those who have been in military service.”

For more information and pre-registration call Brenda Hoffstatter at the national office at 417-337-8964.

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The 27-year-old American Kids Inc. is the nation’s only ‘little league’ of entertainers celebrating what’s right about America promoting drug-free lifestyles, patriotism and community service. The group’s founder, Dr. Dale Smith, holds a doctorate in administration-education and masters in music education. Young people, ages 3 to high school seniors join American Kids just like adults join a civic club. In the program, they find a peer group all involved in making a difference in the world by using the performing arts as the vehicle. Competition is held on a local to state to national level. Shows range from fairs, festivals and theme parks on a national and international scale to the touring cast of Raising America, a patriotic musical. Members enjoy exposure, growth, character development and opportunity. Because of the experience gained from being on stage, members are better prepared for whatever they choose to do in life. Many members are performing on Broadway and on tour, with Disney and in Branson and Nashville: Kristin Chenoweth, Bryan White, Jarrod Neimann and Blake Shelton are alumni. The group is affiliated with Ed McMahon, Barbara Fairchild, Randy Earhart and Taco Mayo, Steve Weyher and Golden Corral.