BWW Previews: NEW COMMUNITY THEATRE COMPANY B.E.S.T. DEBUTS at Mary Help Of Christian Catholic Church

In September 2018, Katie Welch had a dream - create a theatre company that educates while entertains. With a Masters in Exceptional Student Education and a Bachelors in Theatre, Katie wanted to form a community theatre that is a safe haven to kids, teens and young adults with all levels of experience, abilities or special needs.

While others may have stopped because of the time and energy that must be dedicated to this large endeavor, Katie pursued her vision to debut Broadway Everyday Star Theater (B.E.S.T.) at Mary Help of Christian Catholic Church.

Katie and her cast want the audience to put on their detective hats and prepare for a murder.

On stage March 15 and 16, A Talent For Murder is an original play written by Katie when she was a senior in high school. The students of Riverton High School are the archetypes found in every high school. The kids preparing for the annual talent show when a murder of last year's winner stops everything in its tracks.

"Everyone is suspect," said Katie. "We'll keep you guessing until the very end."

The actors will interact with the audience at intermission to determine the murderer. The mystery solver wins a prize.

Thirteen-year-old Ava Shimmel plays the extremely confident Amanda Sweetheart. She's excited for the audience to figure out the murder mystery and experience an unexpected plot twist.

"I want the audience to think 'what just happened' and appreciate Ms. Katie's work," she said.

Thirteen-year-old Kiara Soss plays an air-headed cheerleader Jenna. Kiara loves theatre, hanging out with her new theater friends and encourages the audience to take a chance on a new theatre company and come see the new original play.

"It's really awesome," she said.

Thirteen-year-old Isabella Diaz plays the popular cheerleader Annie. Isabella also enjoys the friendships she's formed from being part of the new theatre company. She loves that, despite the members having different levels of experience, everyone has a crucial role.

Like Stanislavski once said, 'there are no small parts, only small actors,' In B.E.S.T., every member is important, whether working on stage or behind-the-scenes in this inclusive theatre.

Thirteen-year-old Hunter Kelley plays John. He said that he likes theatre because it gives him the opportunity to try on different characters. John is a much more calm and awkward person than Hunter and he enjoys the challenge of bringing that role to life.

Katie selected A Talent For Murder as her inaugural play because the play features lines for everyone, and even better, most actors perform in the talent show.

Twenty-three-year-old Taryn Jaskulki who plays Joyce, the best friend of Amanda said, "This play will be remembered. People will be laughing and crying, going on a rollercoaster of emotions."

In addition to plays, B.E.S.T. also plans to do musicals, improv, and stage combat fighting.

Katie said, "We want everyone to know that Broadway Everyday Star Theater is a place where everyone is a star."

A Talent For Murder is on Friday and Saturday, March 15 and 16 at Mary Help of Christian Catholic Church, 6400 E. Chelsea St. in Tampa. Tickets are $10 per person and $5 for students. For more information visit facebook.com/broadwayeverydaystartheater or call 416-9574 to volunteer or to purchase tickets.

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