By Gillian Graham

Staff Writer

There is a place for everyone on stage at the Academy of Developing Artists of Maine – if you are a kid, that is.

The children’s theater, which opened in the former Central Maine Power building across from Marden’s on Elm Street in Biddeford last November, offers programming for children 3 to 18 and rehearsals for the musical “Oz” have been underway since early January. The production – starring children and teens from Biddeford, Saco, Kennebunk, Wells, Sanford and Scarborough – will be staged in early April. 

“The idea of the academy is to relax, to have freedom and to explore various areas without fear of rejection,” Director Ronda Verges said. “There’s no wrong way to do art or performing. No matter what, there’s a place on stage for everyone.”

Verges said students involved with the theater help with all aspects of the show – they are the “techies” running lights, costume designers, pit crew, make-up artists, actors, assistant directors, set designers and backdrop artists. 

“They run all the techie stuff. They know how to put wounds on, they know how to do blood,” Verges said. “Never, ever underestimate the power of a child.”

Students have put their own mark on the theater, which is in the process of being transformed into a castle “because everyone who enters is royalty,” Verges said. The make-up room features neon footprints, large mirrors and mannequin heads draped with wigs. Next door, a storage room is crowded with hundreds of costumes, which Verges said are often created or altered by students. 

During a recent rehearsal, Verges watched and offered suggestions as students practiced a musical number, marching scene and quick costume changes. 

“They’re the ones who are up there performing. The kids figure out problems,” Verges said. “It’s a buddy system, it’s like a family unit.”

For 11-year-old Madison Shmalo of Kennebunk, the theater has allowed her to make new friends while indulging her love of the spotlight. She is one of two actresses starring as Dorothy; they will split scenes so both will be on stage.

“I really love theater. It’s a great experience,” Shmalo said. “It’s opened up a lot of doors for me as an actress.”

During a break between scenes, Brandon Phillips of Biddeford practiced break-dancing spins on the floor before lining up for a marching scene. The 15-year-old was rehearsing his roles as a guard and Uncle Henry. Phillips said he became involved with the academy because it is located next door to his mother’s dance studio.

“I came over here one day to help out and it looked like fun, so I stayed,” he said.

For 14-year-old Cathy Tracy of Wells, who plays Auntie Em and Glinda, the academy has renewed her interest in extra-curricular activities. 

“Personally, it’s helped me so much. Being here has made me more happy,” she said. 

Casey Libby, 12, travels to the theater from Scarborough for rehearsals. She said she became involved with the production recently because her stepsister had auditioned. Libby is learning how to operate the spotlight as a techie, but said she has been thinking about trying out the stage soon.

“I like to help out and [being here] gave me something to do,” she said while focusing a spotlight on stage. “It’s fun because you get to make new friends, too.” 

Performances of “Oz” are scheduled for 7 p.m. April 3 and 10 and 4 p.m. April 4 and 11. Visit www.academyofdevelopingartists.com.