Finding the Stage
Theatre Arts for Kids (TAFK) is a performing arts program specially geared toward young, aspiring performers interested in learning about, participating in, and producing musical theatre. Leah Arington, founder and artistic director, started it over twenty years ago. Throughout the years, TAFK has had chapters in Nebraska, NewYork, Florida, and California, just to name a few, but it’s really found a home in Lincoln, where it has thrived for the past eleven years.
What is Theatre Arts for Kids?
TAFK provides the total theatre experience –auditioning, rehearsing, polishing, performing, warm-ups, and exercises – designed to enhance concentration and focus. “We really pride ourselves on providing a high-quality performing arts education,” Leah said. Programs are available to kids ages four and older of all experience levels.TAFK instruction focuses on vocal technique, musicianship, dance, actor training, and production professionalism.
A priority of Leah’s is making sure the students attending TAFK are creating lasting, meaningful relationships with one another. “We’ve built a team base – we want the kids to have a great sense of family here,” Leah expressed. An important part of their mission is to make a performing arts education accessible to all students and families.TAFK offers scholarships to students who need financial assistance. They encourage children with challenges of any kind to join their programs.
“We embrace that we each have our own challenges and do everything we can to make all our students feel comfortable,” Leah said. TAFK’sWish Fish program allows students with disabilities to partner with a veteran TAFK student to guide them and encourage their success.
Performing Everywhere
For ten years, TAFK was located in a local church’s sanctuary. They have since performed at other local venues including Screamers FamilyRestaurant, the Nebraska Communities Playhouse, and community park buildings. Moving around to different venues has helped TAFK establish relationships within the Lincoln community.
The team is passionate about giving back to the community, so TAFK has philanthropy projects attached to each show. They have gathered donations for free pantries; partnered withLincoln City Libraries; and volunteered at Center for People, Project 4:7, Laundromat Libraries, and completed many other projects in collaboration with Lincoln Center Kiwanis.
If your child is interested in theatre and performing arts, TAFK is the perfect place to start! For moreinformation on their upcoming camps andprograms, visit TAFK.org.
Summer 2024
Summer Shows
Fairy Tale Forest
June 3-7 • Friend Historical Society • Ages 7-15
Mon-Fri • 9:30 AM-3:30 PM • Fee $50
Performance: Friday, June 7 at 2:30 PM
Madagascar: A Musical Adventure Jr.
June 10-22 • NCP Studio Theatre • Ages 7-15
Mon-Fri • 9:30 AM-3:30 PM • Fee $475
Performances: Friday, June 21 & Saturday, June 22
Best Friends: A Very STUFFIE Story
June 8-13 • Screamers Restaurant • Ages 6-10
Mon-Fri • 9:00 AM-3:00 PM • Fee $350
Performances:Friday, July 12 & Saturday, July 13
Alice in Wonderland Jr.
July 15-27 • Screamers Restaurant • Ages 7-15
Mon-Fri • 9:00 AM-3:30 PM • Fee $475
Performances: Friday, July 26 & Saturday, July 27
Musical Theatre Day Camps
June 3-7• Bethany Park Community Building
Barnyard Boogie
Rising Stars Theatre!
Ages 3-6 • 9:30 AM-12:00 PM • Fee $175
Show Choir Spectacular!A Triple Threat Experience!
Ages 10-15 • 12:30 PM-3:30 PM • Fee $175
June 10-14•Bethany Park Community Building
Jungle Jives Rising Stars Theatre!
Ages 3-6 • 9:30 AM-12:00 PM • Fee $175
Celebrate Good Times
Global Celebrations!
Ages 6-10 • 12:30 PM-3:30 PM • Fee $175
June 17-21•Bethany Park Community Building
Alphabet Soup
Rising Stars Theatre!
Ages 3-6 • 9:30 AM-12:00 PM • Fee $175
Create Your Own Show
Imagination Inspiration!
Ages 10-15 • 12:30 PM-3:30 PM • Fee $175
June 24-28 • Eastridge Elementary
Superhero Stories
A Creative Musical Theatre Workshop
Ages 7-15 • 9:30 AM-3:30 PM • Fee $300