CLEARWATER, Fla. — In a Clearwater rehearsal space, local teens dance and sing their hearts out. It’s what they love to do.
“I just feel good when I’m singing,” explained 7th grader Jackson Weathers. “Inside, you feel good.”
“It’s just fun! It’s really, really fun coming in and telling a story and being someone new,” said Senior Gracelyn Ranson.
Bay Area Performing Arts & Casting or BAPAC for short is a not-for-profit training program for kids who are out of this world talented. You have to audition to get into BAPAC. The group puts on performances and competes in national contents.
Many of the students are serious about trying to perform professionally. Among them is Jeffery Walker. “I love being able to put my passion on stage and making people feel something,” said the 10th grader. “It gives you a chance to share our soul with the world. It’s an amazing feeling.”
Director Katie Combs is hands on during rehearsal. “Give me attitude!” she calls out to the next group of singers. Combs started BAPC eight years ago to encourage young performers and to equip them with high-level skills.
It’s obvious, she loves what she’s doing. “They’re talented and eager. They’re really hungry to get challenged. It’s kind of a teacher’s dream,” said Combs.
And while some BAPA C members do go on to stage and screen, even if they don’t, the training her is beneficials. It provides a platform for most any career.
“Everybody’s going to have a job interview or do a presentation,” explained Assistant Director Lori Wilbanks.
And this program is more than just belting Broadway and fancy footwork. Time after time, the participants said BAPAC was like a family. And to encourage that “family feeling”, each rehearsal starts with students sitting in a circle, where teens share about their week. It’s a safe space where young people can be themselves and belong.
“100 percent. You can share everything about yourself and no hate…no judge,” said Weathers.
And a $6,000 grant from 10 Tampa Bay and the TEGNA Foundation will help even more kids take part. The money will go to scholarships, so kids poor in pocket, but rich in talent can join the others in reaching for the stars.
BAPAC has upcoming performances of a new musical called DREAMLAND at the Palladium Theater in St. Petersburg. For more info, click here.