October
20
logo Linda Ward
prpro@suddenlink.net
American Kids Inc.
417-337-8964
americankids.com
158 Pointe Royale Dr. Ste. O
Branson, MO   65616

BRANSON, MO. — The Branson-based, non-profit children's talent organization, American Kids Inc. is seeking young performers for area shows to be performed in 2008.

"Before American Idol"¦before Star Search, there was American Kids Inc., America’s only "˜little league' of entertainers. In its 25-year history it has become the connection to the world of entertainment for children," said the group's founder, Dr. Dale Smith, or Dr. Dale as he is fondly called by the thousands of children with whom he has worked. Dr. Dale is a retired high school principal and music educator who holds a doctorate in administration-education and masters in music education. Dr. Dale has dedicated his life to character development in children through the American Kids program.

"We are preparing to cast our 2008 Branson area shows and auditions will be held Nov. 3 on stage at Playtime Pizza in Branson. I am looking for kids who like to perform and are looking for an outlet," said Dr. Dale. "There are talented kids everywhere who have no opportunity to express themselves and desire a safe environment in which to perform."

American Kids Inc. has produced shows for a decade at Silver Dollar City and at the Starlite, Majestic and Wild West theaters. Currently American Kids Inc., has children or alumni cast in Branson shows such as "Red, Hot and Blue," "Clay Cooper's Country Music Express," "The Promise," "Celebrate America," "The Hamner Barber Variety Show," "The Presleys Country Jubilee" and "Pierce Arrow." Celebrity performers who started with American Kids, to name a few, are Kristin Chenowith, Bryan White and Blake Shelton.

The American Kids, a 501c3 non-profit child development program, has child members in over 20 states. As a whole the organization produces nearly 400 shows annually at fairs, festivals, reunions, nursing homes, schools, hospitals, bank Christmas parties and various other venues. Its purpose is to assist parents in developing character in their children, provide a positive peer experience and to help young people get past there fears of expressing oneself in the presence of an audience.

"We promote drug-free lifestyles, patriotism and community service using entertainment as the means. We promise exposure, growth, character development and opportunity. Because of the experience gained from being on stage, our members are better prepared for whatever they choose to do in life. Fame and fortune are not promised, but personal development is," Dr Dale said.

"The Christian-based organization works through its trained volunteers. For this reason we seek families willing to help us in these efforts. The program utilizes parents as directors as they are willing to serve. Our Missouri Kids state directors are Darla and Jeff Hicks of Springfield and Deanna and Carter Blackerby of Forsyth. Debbie Wentler of Springfield serves as a regional director. Our affiliations with these parents and others such as Ed McMahon, Barbara Fairchild, Randy Earhart and the Taco Mayo Corporation and Steve Weyher and Golden Corral, to just name a few, are a blessing."

Auditions are open to ages 3 to high school seniors and will be held at Playtime Pizza, 3101 N. Gretna Road, in Branson on Nov. 3. Registration begins at 10 a.m. Auditions are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. The registration fee of $20 is a tax-deductible donation and should be made payable to American Kids Inc.

For more information call the national office manager Brenda Hoffstatter at 1-800-377-8117 OR 417-337-8964 or go to the website at www.americankids.com.

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