Shining on the Stage, Showcasing Her Abilities How Variety Helped Olive Discover Her Passion and Build Confidence Along the Way For Olive, the stage is where she feels most at home. Through Variety’s Performing Arts Camp, she has discovered her passion for theatre—and the confidence that comes with it. “She has no fear at all,” …
When you see 10-year-old Faith on stage, in the spelling bee, or on the court, it is hard to believe she was ever shy. But this dynamic Variety Kid has come a long way, transforming into a confident, compassionate, and unstoppable force. Faith’s journey began with a life-altering moment when her mother, Melanie, learned at …
Highlights from Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. 51 talented kids and teens took the stage from August 9 to 11 to perform Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr., captivating audiences and championing a message of inclusion. This dedicated cast, featuring kids with and without disabilities, spent three weeks together diving into an underwater adventure. Along the way, they …
Fintastic Fun: Highlights from Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. Read More »
Inside Look at Finding Nemo Jr. Learn about the upcoming performance of Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. and partnership with the Center of Creative Arts (COCA) from the Director and Producers! Robin Diehl Robin Diehl serves as Variety’s Programs Director, ensuring the operational success of all Variety programs. She has served Variety Kids and their families …
Spotlight on Variety Alum Gracie Since 1933, Variety provides innovative programs that break barriers, providing unique opportunities for local kids and teens to unleash their full potential and enjoy their childhood. When they transition into adulthood, Variety Kids utilize the many skills gained through Variety to pursue their passions. Now 21 years old, Variety Alum …
Madi Navigates Her Next Chapter For 90 years, Variety has empowered kids with the life-changing tools to thrive during childhood and beyond. Before Madi and her family found Variety, they exemplified the struggles faced by thousands of families desperately searching for solutions to address their child’s basic needs. Madi’s family faced impossible choices, and since …
Tre Shines On-Stage and Off “Bravo!” the audience shouted as Variety’s Curtain Call performers took their final bows. Tre was among the 40 talented Variety Kids and Teens who spent their last weeks of summer learning all about musical theatre, practicing lines, and rehearsing choreography for the showcase performance. Almost no one could have predicted …
The Beauty of Curtain Call Variety Kids proudly took center stage on Friday, August 18 to showcase their hard work and musical theatre talents. As they took their final bows, more than 40 passionate young performers received resounding ovations from a captivated audience of family, friends, and Variety supporters. Curtain Call offers fully inclusive experiences …
The 2nd annual Variety Unbound event on April 20, 2023 was truly an evening of empowerment! Powerful performances thrilled the audience and demonstrated live on stage the impact of Variety’s programs. Emcee Mandy Murphey from FOX 2 welcomed guests to The Factory in Chesterfield, a magnificent space and the perfect venue to feature the talents …
Variety Kids Take Center Stage at Variety Unbound Read More »
Paul’s Fearlessness The stage has always been a place where Paul feels empowered to be himself. As he explains, “whenever I’m on stage singing and dancing, I feel exhilarated!” While Paul has always loved performing, it has been difficult for him to find a place to let his talents shine. Often, performance programs treated him …
On Thursday, December 16, excited audience members filled the seats at the Sheldon Concert Hall, ready to experience live music and enjoy the sounds of the season. They were there for Festive Gifts of Song and Dance, a holiday concert that was presented by Variety Children’s Chorus and Variety Dance. The inclusive groups, made up …
On December 16, Variety Children’s Chorus and Variety Dance will take the stage at The Sheldon Concert Hall to share their “Festive Gifts of Song and Dance” and you’re invited! You won’t want to miss this magical holiday concert. The inclusive Variety Children’s Chorus and Variety Dance programs will be joined by several special guests, …
Save the Date to Celebrate the Season with Variety Children’s Chorus and Variety Dance Read More »
Last month, Ameren hosted their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Summit. This event, which was held virtually this year, celebrates the importance of these topics in our world, lives, and workplaces, and features multiple speakers from Ameren and other area organizations.
Thanks to our supporters, Variety Teen Jenna has been given the opportunity to perform in professional musical productions through Variety Theatre. In the letter below, she shares just how much of a difference Variety’s Performing Arts program has made for her and others in the program. If you’d like to give to support Variety Kids …
Jenna Conquers Musical Theatre Challenges with Your Help Read More »
We are excited to announce that the Bank of America Charitable Foundation is continuing their support of Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis’ inclusive Performing Arts programs through a generous grant. These Performing Arts programs, which include Variety Children’s Chorus, Variety Dance and Variety Theatre, give St. Louis-area children and teens with and without …
Bank of America Helps Variety Kids Build Confidence Through Performing Arts Read More »
When the Olympics and Paralympics air, you can find children around the world glued to their screens, dreaming of the day they might take the podium for their country. Variety Kid Chase is living out those dreams. Last month, Chase competed in swimming at the Move United Junior Nationals, which serves as a pipeline towards …
Through Variety’s inclusive Performing Arts programs, Variety Kid Leah has grown and flourished into a confident young lady. Like all kids and teens in these programs, she is very talented, and it has been a joy to watch her build her self-esteem each time she steps onto the stage. Recently, Leah has had the …
