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Applause for Kids garners praise, builds confidence

Byline: Parents say students develop, excel at Buckhead arts studio
Publication: Northside Neighbor
Date: December, 2004

Confidence and self-esteem are just two of the qualities children gain at the Applause for Kids performing arts studio owned by Northsider Jennifer Salberg. Ms. Salberg started the program with partner Lawrence Salberg more than two years ago. She said she noticed a great need for the arts in Atlanta, specifically for children. Currently located at 4279 Roswell Road in the Chastain Square Shopping Center, Applause for Kids sees students as young as 3 years of age and as old as 16. Ms. Salberg said the beauty of the program is that parents can drop off all their children because there is something for everybody. The real beauty of the program, however, is the role it plays in the lives of its students. Children in this performing arts program are neither pressured to compete against their fellow students nor are they expected to go on auditions. "We are not trying to create the next American Idol," said Ms. Salberg. Rather, Applause students are nurtured in a supportive environment that includes kids Ms. Salberg calls "born to perform" as well as those who are more reserved and hesitant when they enroll. Ms. Salberg was partially inspired to create this particular environment because of her experience with her own children. Her oldest daughter Hannah, now 12, had always been involved in performing arts, but when her second daughter Olivia, 7, came along, that was not the case. Ms. Salberg said Applause for Kids helps bridge the gap between children like Olivia, who are more hesitant, and children who have always felt the draw of the spotlight. Northside parent Jay Fisher, whose daughter Rachel is an Applause for Kids student, said Ms. Salberg works wonders with her students. "She builds self-esteem and self-confidence in the kids," said Fisher. Fisher sent Rachel, then only 3 1/2 years old, to Applause because he thought he saw some talent in his daughter and believed she would enjoy the program. The confidence and exuberance that Rachel, now 5, has gained has allowed her to act in summer plays and perform in a Marist school cheerleading camp. The praise parents like Fisher give Ms. Salberg is the reason she has been so happy in Buckhead. "To feel the love and support of the Buckhead community has been so heartwarming," said Ms. Salberg. The success of Applause for Kids has allowed Ms. Salberg to expand her studio. She has recently opened the Atlanta School for the Performing Arts, a 6,500 square foot, 200-seat theatre located just north of the Applause studio at 4367 Roswell Road. For more information on the Applause for Kids program, call (404) 459-0409 or visit www.applauseforkids.com.

By Katherine Fallon Northside Neighbor Staff Writer