WACO, Texas — Since 1992, the Waco Children's Theatre has inspired thousands of children to discover and share their artistic gifts and talents.
The theatre is the oldest continually operated performing arts camp in Central Texas.
One thing that's unique about the theatre is its founder. Linda Haskett was declared legally blind at 17 years old. Still, her mother encouraged her to never let that stop her from chasing her dreams.
"My mother said 'well sister, you've just been handed a bag of lemons,'" Haskett shared. "Now the question is, are you going to make lemonade or are you going to be a sour puss?"
Haskett is from Fort Smith, Arkansas and earned two degrees in the arts. When she moved to Waco after graduating, she noticed a lack of theater programs for the youth.
"I came here and I didn't see anything for children, really, unless they could take private piano or private dance lessons," Haskett continued. "I noted immediately that there was a different financial status here so that was the emphasis for trying to get something here."
So Haskett opened up the Waco Children's Theatre and began the program with 35 students. Since then, the program has educated more than 8,000 area youth in their intensive summer curriculum utilizing a degreed staff of working professionals.
Students like Ryan Martin and Azlen Moore have been a part of the Waco Children's Theatre since they were small children. Both teens have taken it a step further and are pursuing theater in their higher education.
Martin is attending Texas Christian University and Moore is attending McLennan Community College. Both are majoring in theatre and beginning their journey in the Fall.
"Theatre is a way of expressing in a way that we can't express with words," Martin explained. "Doing theatre has really taught me a lot as a person and how I carry myself as a professional and as an actor."
Like the thousands of students who have gone through the theater program, Moore says that Haskett has inspired her immensely as an actress and a person over the years.
"She genuinely cares about you as a person," Moore explained. "What she cares about is the kids that come through here and not just the shows. That has really impacted me as a person."
For Haskett, she is excited to continue inspiring the youth to share their creativity and express themselves at all times.
"I teach these kids that you've got to want it, you've got to understand how great you are," Haskett explained. "I believe that God put me on this earth to do the best I can with my life with as many people."
To support the theater, they are putting on their 'Mean Girls' and '101 Dalmatians Kids' musicals this week. Here is more information on those showings and ticket pricing:
101 Dalmatians Kids | Tickets $10
Thursday, June 27 - 6 p.m.
Friday, June 28 - 10 a.m.
Saturday, June 29 - 2 p.m.
Mean Girls (High School version) | Tickets $15
Friday, June 28 - 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 29 - 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 30 - 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Both shows will be happening at the Lee Lockwood Library and Museum at 2801 West Waco Drive.
To be involved or support the Waco Children's Theater, visit here.
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