by Nick Anis

Applause, an after school program offering extensive training for performing arts for children 5 to 18 has been gaining a lot of recognition from parents, teachers, and community leaders.  Founder and artistic director Joelene McLean in partnership with the Walnut Valley Unified School District conduct Applause.  The program runs on a quarterly basis.  Two quarters are instructional where children can take a variety of classes such as intro to drama, musical theater, and even vocal lessons.  Another class offered, that's really great for children, is Stage Freight 101.  In this course, children learn how to deal with and overcome their fear of public speaking and performing. 

There are actually two sessions offered over the summer quarter, which also dubs as a summer camp.  The first sessions runs from June 28th through July 7th and the second session runs from July 10 through July 28.  The camp quarter, like the other three quarters of the program, is offered for children ages 5 to 18.  Both sessions of the summer quarter will be held at Chaparral Middle School.  At the end of each of these two camp sessions they class puts on a play, and at the end of the year, the children put on a major production.

The Applause Foundation is a non-profit performing arts training program.  It uses music, comedy, dancing, and acting to as Ms. "McLean" likes to say, "lead children into the sunshine of achievement."  McLean's courses focus on building self-esteem, self-confidence, improving children's public speaking skills.  Her students also learn discipline and responsibility, which they can take back into the classroom for their academic pursuits.

Ms. McLean believes in the 3 A's (academics, athletics, and the arts).  But she has also added a 4th A, "Attitude.  She feels it's absolutely essential that children have a positive attitude about themselves in order to maximize their full potential in the classroom.  She also feels that good self-esteem will help with in the family life and through out their careers.

Parents and teachers have noticed the difference the program makes to the kids and interest in the program has been growing from one quarter to the next mostly through word of mouth referrals.  To register for the summer or fall classes or find out more about the program students and their parents can call 909-468-9707.

Nick Anis is a food, wine, and travel and technology writer with 24 books in print. Nick’s beats include snow and water sports, and vacation destinations. Nick can be reached by email at: nickanis@aol.com.