Western Addition Kids Take To The Stage To Fine-Tune Life Skills

SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX 5) A typical day at Judith Cohen's after school program begins with a lot of joyful shouting and dancing.

"They have a vehicle to act out, to find a voice for self-expression, to use their imaginations in ways they haven't been challenged to do," Cohen explained.

The program is called "Handful Players," a non-profit musical theater program for kids from kindergarten to high school in San Francisco's Western Addition.

"One because they are a handful," she added with a laugh, referencing the name. "And two, because they are a collection of people with an immense talent to put on theater."

Cohen finds performers from around the Bay Area to teach the classes. Ryan Marchand has a full-time job and is also an actor, but finds time to serve as Handful's Artistic Director. Judith recruited him six years ago when he was student at S.F. State.

"I feel like I am giving back to the community and I feel like I am a part of the community," Marchand said.

"It's really about finding artists and giving them an opportunity to make money and to work with youth and to give back themselves," she added.

At the end of the semester, the students perform a musical for their parents.

"We always end on a performance so kids can feel that sense of accomplishment of standing on stage and getting that applause," Cohen said.

The performances are all written by local playwrights and are often about important events or influential people in the community.

"Until they take that bow I don't think they have dreamed of what they were working towards," Cohen said.

So for giving kids the chance to walk into the spotlight in life and on stage, this week's Jefferson Award in the Bay Area goes to Judith Cohen.