Clinton County Kids & Company Summer Shows

"The productions we do are high quality... We want the kids to have a professional theatre experience," stated, Ken Lydy, director at Kids & Company.

Kids & Company is a nonprofit, grant-funded organization that provides local children with an opportunity to get involved with fine arts through drama camp and summer shows. The organization was started in 1993 by Lois A. Hock, a professor of theatre at Wilmington College. Ken stated, "It was really a way for kids to get involved in the arts."

Ken Lydy, originally from Delware, Ohio, attended Wilmington College to major in theater and criminal justice. He eventually met his future wife, Tara, stating, "[My major] brought me here. What kept me here is I met my future wife at Wilmington College."

The couple got involved with Kids & Company in the late 1990s and have been involved since. They now direct the program, the drama camp, and design the sets together. Tara also designs the costumes for the program. Carrie Gibson, another Wilmington College alumni, helps with the younger age groups. Each of the three were in Lois's class while at Wilmington College.

Kids & Company currently hosts one show in the summer for children ages 6 to 18. Children rehearse and perform the show in three weeks. To ensure affordability, both participation and attendance to the show are free. Last summer, the program presented "Finding Nemo," using large puppets. In previous years, they have presented the junior versions of Alice in Wonderland, Treasure Island, Mulan, Lion King, Frozen, Beauty and the Beast, and more. The junior shows are meant for children, as they are easier to sing and only last one hour.

In addition to putting on a summer show, Kids & Company holds two drama camps during the summer for a small cost. The "Rising Star" drama camp is for ages six through eleven and reviews basic movement skills and vocal skills. The program also hosts a regular drama camp for children ages 12 through 17. The older children learn monologues, choreography, makeup, how to audition and more.

To learn more or donate to Kids & Company, visit fb.com/cckidsandcompany.