Just Be You Performing Arts to Host Free Acting Workshop and Showcase for Kids

A free workshop for children interested in a career in theatre acting will be hosted by Just Be You Performing Arts, a mentoring and enrichment organization, based in Rahway, NJ, on Saturday April 22, 2017. This marks the 3rd year anniversary of the organization conducting free programs for kids to help them pursue their dreams. The workshop will be held at the Rahway Public Library, 2 City Hall Plaza, Rahway, New Jersey in the auditorium meeting room, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Founded by seasoned actress, writer and director, Mahogany Reynolds-Clarke, a Rahway resident, Just Be You Performing Arts mission is to provide free to low-cost resources and training to children who desire a career in the arts. Reynolds-Clarke, will teach a fun and interactive workshop on theatre acting to children ages 7 to 17-year's old. Her goal is to share her experiences as an actress and pass along that knowledge to aspiring young artists.

Recently cast as Ruth Younger, in the legendary stage play, "A Raisin in the Sun", written by Lorraine Hansberry that debuted on Broadway in 1959, Reynolds-Clarke will make her mark in this historical role at the Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan, New Jersey on Friday, February 24 - Sunday, February 26, 2017. She was hand selected for this role by the play's director, Darrell Willis. This marks Reynolds-Clarke's second performance in a Lorraine Hansberry production. During her workshop, she will train the children on character development, memorization skills, stage presence, and movement.

"Theatre acting is a lot of hard work. When Mr. Willis cast me for this role, I felt honored to have the chance to portray such a well-rounded character, such as Ruth Younger. A devoted and loving mother who desperately wants a better life for her young son. This is a wonderful experience that I can share with children who are pursuing a theatre acting career. The workshop will give them the necessary skills and tools to become strong actors that create believable characters," said Reynolds-Clarke, who received a Proclamation in 2015 from the Mayor of Rahway, Samson Steinman, for her outstanding work as a performing artist.

Following the workshop, the students will have the opportunity to demonstrate what they've learned, in a free program called "A Showcase of Stars", that will also be held at the Rahway Public Library on April 22. This program allows the children to put to immediate practice the technique skills they will learn during the workshop master class. In 2016, Reynolds-Clarke hosted this free program at the Union County Performing Arts Center Main Stage Café, with a group of children who showcased their talents in dance, acting and singing.

"I was so thankful to Ms. Mahogany for putting this event together. It was a great learning experience for my daughter, Sophie, and she enjoyed herself too!", said Risa Glenn, mother of Sophie Maya Glenn, age 10 of Mountainside, New Jersey; an aspiring musical theatre actress and singer.

For information on how to register for the free workshop and showcase, contact Just Be You Performing Arts via email at: justbeyou.contact@gmail.com. Find more details on Facebook at www.facebook.com/justbeyouperformingarts. They are actively seeking participants ages 7-17 year's old. Both the workshop and showcase is free and open to the general public with advance registration.