By Mark Ambrogi
Acting seems to come naturally to 9-year-old Aiden Shurr.
“I watched a lot of movies and tried to do what the actors did, so my mom took me to audition for the ‘Wizard of Oz,’ and I got the role of Lollipop Kid,” Aiden said “After that experience, I ended up loving acting.”
Aiden, a third grader at Carmel’s College Wood Elementary, is appearing as Chip in Civic Theatre’s production of “Beauty and the Beast,” which runs through Jan. 1 at the Tarkington at Carmel’s Center for the Performing Arts.
Despite rehearsals that often ran three hours for two months before the musical started Dec. 9, Aiden remained dedicated to the task.
“Aiden was born with high energy and has always been very expressive,” his mother Stacy said. “He’s an outgoing kid, and Civic Theatre has been a second home to him since he was 4 years old.”
Aiden said he was familiar with the musical before he got the role from watching Disney’s animated version.
“I was extremely shy growing up, so I’ve always been in awe of those who could get in front of an audience and perform,” Stacy said. “I’ve always encouraged my kids to try new things and when you find something you’re really good at, go for it.”
Aiden said what he likes most about acting is being on stage.
“It gives me many opportunities to be different people,” Aiden said. “I also like making new friends along the way. I like playing Chip because I get to be with a lot of adult actors, and I learn so much from them. This is my favorite role so far because I get to say a lot of important lines, and it makes me feel special.”
Aiden has appeared in the Civic Theatre’s “Alice In Wonderland,” “Wizard of Oz” and “Trial of Goldilocks.”
“Brent Marty, director of music and education, and Holly Stults, director of education programs, are so supportive and true experts,” Stacy said of Civic’s staff members. “Working with fellow young actors, seasoned pros and experts in the field is a dream come true for Aiden. I feel truly grateful my son has a wonderful place to grow, learn and play a part.”
For more, visit civictheatre.org.
