Students in the Southwest Arkansas Arts Council (SWAAC) STAR Academy are working diligently to prepare for their public performance Friday night. STAR students have been writing, creating props, and memorizing lines so they can provide a memorable show for the audience. Denise Robinson said she thinks preparations are going well and that participants will enjoy the show. "I think it's going to be a really good performance and the audience should expect to have a good laugh; this show will be hilarious," Robinson said. She also said she has participated in various drama camps before, but SWAAC's STAR Academy is, by far, her favorite.

STAR Academy Director and Instructor Chris Espinosa said these kids are doing a great job. "For it to only have been three days, so far, they are doing really, really well," Espinosa said. "They have some gags and slapstick comedy they are doing really well with; plus, they have already memorized their lines and created props, too." Espinosa said it's a smaller group this year than in years past, so this year they will be doing something new. The students have written a scene completely on their own. He says the audience will enjoy the performance.

SWAAC Executive Director Jennifer Block said STAR Academy is made possible by the Arkansas Arts Council with grant funding from the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, and that she is pleased SWAAC can offer a drama camp like this to interested children of the area. "STAR Academy exposes them to drama and everything they see on TV," Block said. "This teaches them the ins and outs of this field, plus script writing and memorization. They will now be able to perform a show in front of a live audience."

The STAR Academy performance will be Friday night at 6pm at Hempstead Hall. These kiddos are eager and excited to perform their very own show for any and all who would like to attend.