Confidence, selfesteem, cooperation and social mobility are what kids get from the Steve Robertson Youth Theater Workshop.

This is a wonderful program that brings more experienced theater students together with children that have never read a script. It is an after-school program that introduces kids to the basics of song, presentation, set design, costume design, theater makeup, choreography and acting. We want to add to each of these skills. But we need help.

Sponsored by the High Street Theater Foundation, every effort is made to include all children— those at risk, those who cannot afford tuition and those who would otherwise shy away from a theater arts class.

The program includes 15 scholarships for members of the Moorpark Boys & Girls Club. Our future goals include a home-school theater arts program and an ongoing afterschool theater arts program each semester. But we need help if we are to continue this valuable community program.

It takes a tightly budgeted $6,000 to $7,000 to put on each workshop. Our costs include the director, musical director, assistants, scripts and rights, the theater, costumes, props and advertising. Tuition and ticket sales cover a good percentage of our costs, but it is always a struggle.

It is quite miraculous to witness the transition of these students from the first day of auditions to the final production.

Every child is given a role to play, and as a group they become a team. They learn so much that will guide them through their lives.

These kids may never act again, but the odds are they will speak in front of a group, and the ability to do that will make a difference in their future careers.

The children gain so much. It is not only about what they learn onstage but what they learn offstage. And we would like to expand that.

If you are a carpenter, stylist, have extra fabric, like to paint, are experienced working with kids in a performing arts environment or would like to make a taxdeductible donation, call Ralph at (805) 529-9219.

Please help us make a difference in a child's life. Reesha Tuomi Moorpark Tuomi is the vice president of the High Street Theater Foundation.