Louisiana Kids Inc :: Does Your Child Want To Perform?
My daughter started performing at a very young age. By age 3, we knew that she would be on stage somehow, but did not know in what capacity. We started with dancing, which then expanded into gymnastics, then a few years later she started showing an interest in singing. She started singing with her vocal coach at age 5, and here we are six years later still with her. What we didn’t know when we met her coach, Alexa Hernandez, was that she would introduce us into the world of Louisiana Kids.
What is Louisiana Kids?
Started 25 years ago because one of the directors’ daughters loved to sing, LA Kids first show was in a grocery store parking lot. Since then it has grown into what is nothing short of an amazing organization! Louisiana Kids Inc. is a non-profit 203C foundation now and is “focused on the God given talents of our children, while using the Performing Arts as our Vehicle to develop self esteem and character in children three years of age to seniors in high school.” Not only does this organization hold their mission of promoting education, emphasizing family values, and maximizing children’s potential in high regard, but they also follow through in their goal of promoting an atmosphere where kids can grow and feel supported by their peers. They allow all of their kids to have a safe, professional environment where they can foster their talents and develop to their full potential as an entertainer.
The Joys of Joining LA Kids
When you join Louisiana Kids (for the nominal fee of $40), you are part of their organization for a year. During that year, they team up with all of their different sponsors across the state to bring the kids to different festivals, shows, events, etc to perform at. My daughter has performed every where from restaurants & retirement homes to Celebration in The Oaks & The Audubon Zoo. The wide range of places that your child will get to perform at will help them to get comfortable being on stage and being in front of large crowds. Confidence is one of the main things most kids will learn from getting on stage at such a young age, especially when it is alone.
Not only do these shows provide experience, but most of them are always for a good cause. We have done numerous events benefitting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Louisiana, and those are always near and dear to my heart. Every October we participate in the Crescent City Talent Showcase. This year will be the 18th year that it is held, and they raise around $8,000 every year from the one day of performers and their supporters. The winners from that competition go on to perform at other events as well, like NOLA Christmas Fest inside the convention center. If you are interested in checking this event out, it will be held on October 21st this year.
At the end of every spring, Louisiana Kids holds their annual competition. This gives kids from all the state a chance to come showcase their talents and hard work. As a member, you qualify for not only scholarships but an array of special awards given out to the organization. One of the most special, The Amie Comeaux Award, is actually named for one of my husband’s cousins. She was an extremely gifted singer who tragically passed away in an automobile accident in 1997 at the age of 21. When LA Kids first started back in 90s, she would allow them to borrow her sound system. Today this award is given out to the member who has done the second most LA Kids Shows, volunteer work, etc. – only behind The Entertainer of The Year Award. They recognize kids for a wide variety of topics including their essays on what “Louisiana Kids Means To Me,” the Heart to Heart Award which focuses on acts of service, specifically performing at nursing homes, and many more. My daughter has competed multiple times in this competition and let me tell you something: It does not matter who wins or loses that day – all of those children are winning. I am always amazed by their confidence, maturity, and professionalism, even from the littlest of performers.
How To Check It Out
I have linked their Facebook and website throughout this article, but the best way to find out if Louisiana Kids is for your family is to come check out one of their upcoming shows! The season is just starting to kick off, and new events will be added to their calendar all the time. You can find us at the Westwego Kid’s Craft Festival from 11am-3pm on September 23rd and at Gretna Fest this year (which I am super excited about!). If you can’t make either of those, you can always register for or just come watch the Crescent City Talent Showcase for a great cause!
