An avid theatre enthusiast and actress, Jaclyn Hall has portrayed numerous characters from Maria in West Side Story to Melissa Gardner in Love Letters . However, off the stage and away from her role as a senior at Dreher High School, Hall is an intern at the Knight Foundation After School Program, sharing her love of theater with kids.

This special program started this fall. "We focus on cultural enrichment for sixth grade students," Hall said. There are four partners in this effort: Trustus Theater, EdVenture Museum, Columbia Museum of Art, and Riverbanks Zoo. "We teach improv, audience etiquette, character development, and how to read, direct, and block scenes."

In one activity, students are asked to create an original superhero. They have created characters like Divalicious, a fashion savior; the Amazing Butterfly which can turn into a human; and the Supergeek, endowed with the powers of smart glasses.

Playwright-in-residence Sarah Hammond compiles the children's scenes into a play. They will perform their own works at the end of April.

Hall said, "My favorite part has been sharing my passion with the kids and watching their creativity grow. Their improvised characters have expanded from drug dealers and cheerleaders to cowboys, aliens, even the infamous Granny. Their originality and fearlessness amaze me." Hall has played a major role for two and a half years with the Apprentice Company at Trustus Theater as well. This program includes monthly workshops and a showcase at the end of each year. Guest artists teach specific skills like characterization, audition process, directing, and stand-up comedy.

Hall has accrued a wealth of experience. "I personally have done seven shows; jobs included stage management, assistant-stage management, sound op, props designer/manager, even acting."