Costume Chronicles - Golden Anubis Mask - 2021

For our production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, we wanted our Egyptian guards to have epic Anubis masks to enhance the visual impact of the show. Since our costume closet was fresh out of Anubis masks, we had to get creative. After some searching, we found a fantastic paper origami version on Etsy.

We also got blessed with the most snow our area has ever seen - SNOWPACALYPSE - which kept us snowed in for nearly a week. Luckily, before the snow, I had gone to the theatre and gathered all the needed crafts to work on costume pieces. But for this mask, all I needed was cardstock, craft glue, and my printer.

While tedious, the instructions were fairly easy and the mask started taking shape.

Once I figured out one mask, I had to assemble the second. The second mask was a quicker process.

Once the snow thawed and I was able to get back to the theatre, I took the masks and sprayed them gold and they looked like a million bucks! The pattern costs about $5 and the rest of the items we already had on hand. So we got two masks for $5. What a bargain!

With a little bit of crafting magic, we turned these paper templates into stunning Anubis masks that added an authentic and impressive touch to our Egyptian guards' costumes.

Backstage Story - Making it Rain

When faced with the iconic challenge of staging "Singin' in the Rain," we knew we had to make it rain on stage to truly capture the essence of this beloved musical. However, we also faced the daunting task of achieving the desired effect without causing any damage to the stage or curtains, and ensuring everything could be cleaned up efficiently during intermission.

After much debate and experimentation, we decided to go with a misting hose paired with cool, down lighting and rain sound effects. This combination allowed us to create the illusion of rain without using too many water droplets. The misting hose emitted just the right amount of water that could be caught in our specially designed sidewalk and gutter system, which was also designed for splashing and curb choreography.

Thanks to the expertise of our tech crew, clean-up was down to a science, ensuring that we were (fairly) dry for Act 2! The result was truly magical. It was incredibly thrilling to share the moment with our audiences and hear audible gasps and “wows” when the rain started falling on stage.

One night, while I was backstage in the Who House, I just happened to look over to the mop sink, the source for the stage water and realized that the hose wasn’t attached. This was about 2 minutes before the water was supposed to be turned on. I got so nervous and was shaking so bad that it was very difficult to get the hose threaded on the faucet quickly. Luckily, I got it on just in time. That’s the night that I saved the show! Even thinking about it today, I still get nervous at how close we were to not having rain that day.

Discover the Magic of Theatre: New Classes at SCT This Fall

At Silvermoon Children’s Theatre, we’re passionate about the magic of theatre and the incredible opportunities it provides for young people. This fall, we’re excited to offer a new lineup of classes designed to inspire creativity, build confidence, and foster a lifelong love for the stage. SEE BELOW FOR DESCRIPTIONS!

STARters from Summer 2024

Our theater classes are more than just a chance to learn about acting—they’re an opportunity for kids to explore new experiences in a supportive and fun environment. Some of our students may be stepping into the world of theatre for the very first time, bravely trying something that might be out of their comfort zone. Others might already have a spark for the stage and are eager to deepen their skills. No matter where they are on their journey, our classes help them discover more about themselves and their creative potential.

For Ages 5 & 6: Discover Theatre Through Play

Our STARter classes are perfect for our youngest budding actors—those who are 5 (and in Kindergarten) and 6 years old. These sessions focus on teaching the basics of theatre through play and imagination, making learning both fun and engaging. In these classes, your child will learn how to follow directions, work as part of a group, and start to develop basic choreography and singing skills. They’ll also gain an understanding of stage presence—all while enjoying the creative process! It’s a fantastic way for young children to dip their toes into the world of theatre.

For Ages 7-11: Explore Performance and Puppetry

For our slightly older students, ages 7-11, we offer classes that are great for both beginners and those with some theatre experience. This fall, we’re focusing on group singing, acting/stage performance, and introducing our very first puppetry class! We’re thrilled to have Marjorie Matthews, the talented artist behind the stunning Audrey 2 puppets from last April’s “Little Shop of Horrors,” leading our puppetry course. These classes provide a more in-depth exploration of theatre arts while still being approachable for those who are new to the stage. It’s an exciting opportunity for kids to discover their talents and refine their skills.

For Ages 12-18: Dive Deep into Theatre Arts

Our classes for ages 12-18 are designed for a wide range of experience levels—from beginners to advanced actors. This fall, we’re offering an array of new and exciting classes. Students will have the opportunity to focus on group singing, but that’s just the beginning. We’re also introducing classes in Storytelling/Script Writing, where students can craft their own narratives, from imagination to script form, and Hodge Podge, a unique course that delves into the technical aspects of theatre. Each week, Hodge Podge will cover a different area, such as costume design, makeup, painting techniques, beginner lighting, and sound design. It’s an incredible opportunity for teens to explore every facet of theatre, both on stage and behind the scenes.

Join Us This Fall at SCT!

No matter your child’s age or experience level, our fall theatre classes offer something special for everyone. Whether they’re just starting out or looking to deepen their skills, SCT provides a supportive and creative environment where they can grow, learn, and most importantly, have fun.

Classes run from September 9 through November 11 on Monday afternoons. To learn more or to register your child, please visit our registration form below. FULL DESCRIPTIONS OF EACH CLASS BELOW.

Ages 5-6 (Must Be in Kindergarten or Above)

STARter Class - Music & Singing (4:00 PM)

  • Description: Welcome to STARter Singers, the perfect entry-level class for young aspiring vocalists eager to explore the world of singing! Designed for beginners, this class introduces foundational singing techniques, including breath control, pitch, tone, and rhythm. Through fun and engaging activities, students will learn to sing a variety of songs, develop their vocal skills, and build confidence in their musical abilities. Join us for a delightful journey into the world of singing, where every child's voice can shine!

  • Class Size: 8

  • Cost: $125

  • Teacher: Peri Seward

STARter Class - Stage Presence (5:00 PM)

  • Description: A beginning-level acting course designed for our youngest STARs! In this playful and engaging class, we will explore the basics of theatre through fun and interactive activities. Children will learn foundational skills such as voice projection, movement, and simple character creation, all while building confidence and social skills. Join us for a delightful introduction to the world of acting, where imagination and play take center stage!

  • Class Size: 8

  • Cost: $125

  • Teacher: Peri Seward

Ages 7-11

Silvermoon Chorus (4:00 PM)

  • Description: Join the Silvermoon Chorus, a class dedicated to teaching the art of singing together in harmony. This ensemble course focuses on part singing, blending voices, and developing a cohesive group sound. Students will learn essential vocal techniques, including breath support, pitch accuracy, and dynamics, while exploring a diverse repertoire of songs. In addition, participants will develop their ability to read sheet music, enhancing their understanding of musical notation and interpretation. Through collaborative exercises and guided practice, students will gain experience in harmonizing and performing as a unified ensemble.

  • Class Size: 12

  • Cost: $125

  • Teacher: Susannah Linnett

Adventures in Acting (5:00 PM)

  • Description: Discover the magic of theatre in this beginner-level class designed for older kids eager to explore the world of acting. Through engaging activities and dynamic exercises, students will learn and reinforce the foundational elements of theatre, including voice projection, body language, and character development. No prior experience is necessary—just bring your enthusiasm and imagination!

  • Class Size: 12

  • Cost: $125

  • Teacher: Susannah Linnett

Puppetry 101 (6:00 PM)

  • Description: Step into the enchanting world of Puppetry 101, where creativity and craftsmanship come together to bring characters to life! In this beginner-level class, students will explore the basics of puppetry, including puppet construction, manipulation, and performance techniques. Through hands-on projects and interactive activities, participants will learn how to design and build their own puppets, develop unique puppet voices and movements, and create captivating stories and scenes.

  • Class Size: 10

  • Cost: $150

  • Teacher: Marjorie Matthews

Ages 12-18

Silvermoon Chorus (4:00 PM)

  • Description: Join the Silvermoon Chorus, a class that teaches the art of singing together in harmony. This ensemble course focuses on part singing, blending voices, and developing a cohesive group sound. Students will learn essential vocal techniques, including breath support, pitch accuracy, and dynamics while exploring a diverse repertoire of songs. In addition, participants will develop their ability to read sheet music, enhancing their understanding of musical notation and interpretation. Through collaborative exercises and guided practice, students will gain experience in harmonizing and performing as a unified ensemble.

  • Class Size: 12

  • Cost: $125

  • Teacher: Susannah Linnett

Storytelling / Script Writing (5:00 PM)

  • Description: Unleash your imagination in our Creative Storytelling & Script Writing class! This course is designed for aspiring young writers who are eager to explore the art of storytelling and script creation. Through interactive lessons and hands-on activities, students will learn the fundamentals of crafting compelling narratives, developing unique characters, and structuring scripts for stage and screen. Participants will have the opportunity to brainstorm ideas, write their own stories, and collaborate with peers in a supportive and creative environment. Perfect for those who love to write and want to bring their stories to life!

  • Class Size: 10

  • Cost: $150

  • Teacher: Meredith Farren

Hodge Podge (6:00 PM)

  • Description: A dynamic and diverse class where students will dive into new themes and subjects each week! This exciting course is perfect for those who love variety and are eager to explore different aspects of theatre. From acting techniques and improvisation to set design, lighting, and sound, as well as makeup and costuming, each session offers a unique focus, providing a comprehensive understanding of both performance and technical theatre. Students will engage in hands-on activities, creative projects, and collaborative exercises, making this class a thrilling journey through the many facets of theatre. Ideal for curious minds who want to experience the full spectrum of theatrical arts!

  • Class Size: 12

  • Cost: $175

  • Teacher: Susannah Linnett


Backstage Story - Matilda Letter Blocks

Having recently painted over the Matilda Letter Blocks, I felt nostalgic and wanted to share their story to ensure they are never forgotten.

In early 2023, while working on Matilda the Musical, we wanted to pay homage to the Broadway stage version by incorporating letters throughout the set, reflecting Matilda’s love for reading. Typically, productions use desks for the schoolroom scene, but with our limited stage and backstage space, we knew desks for 9 kids wouldn't fit. So, we decided to use blocks as desks, and needed letters on them. We also created tiles from pink foam insulation to frame the proscenium, the area of the stage in front of the curtain. With 9 blocks and 4 or 5 sides each, we had up to 45 letters to paint on blocks, but plus at least 50 on the tiles.

First, we had to base coat the block letters and the letter tiles. We wanted the letters to evoke the look of Scrabble tiles, with a wooden background and black letters. Our hardworking tech crew had a fun paint party, applying the primer and then the tan base coat on all the surfaces, covering our black marble paint technique from The Little Mermaid.

Collin Medley painting primer over black marble from The Little Mermaid.

Once we had the basecoat done, we had to find whimsical fonts to project and trace and then paint black on the blocks and tiles. Anna Jo and Leah came to help during a break from school to help get the letters on. It was a long process, but we had the show tunes and conversations flowing.

Leah Linnett and Anna Jo Briggs tracing and painting letters

Once all the letters were finished, we needed to install the tile letters on the proscenium. One of our favorite Sneelocks, our dad, (Sneelock Blog Post) came up with the plan to staple the letters to a black net that he installed in front of the main curtain (the net was originally intended to keep birds off plant). It was virtually unseen from the audience. We used a staple gun to fix the letters to the net. Other than the height being an issue (which was a big issue, with a 10 foot ladder placed carefully next to the edge of the stage which is between 3 & 4 feet off the ground and a 12 foot ladder on the ground to help stabilize the stage ladder for safety.), one challenge we ran into was making sure letters didn’t accidentally spell words that we didn’t want them to spell. (It doesn’t matter how good the production is if we accidentally spell a bad word that people stare at for 2 hours). Each and every letter was carefully selected to only spell words (or look like words) we chose. We did place the colored tiles spelling MATILDA first.

It was a stressful day, but we were thrilled with the results! Good job team!

Our painted block letters were put to good use again in Summer 2023 for We Are Monsters, Tall Tales, and The Addams Family. We enjoyed the creative challenge of finding words that fit each show, often forming fun combinations from the letters we already had. (We did have to tweak a few, such as turning an "I" into an "L," which was an easy fix.) For instance, we used "PULL" (for the song "Pulled") and "DOOM" in The Addams Family.

In Spring 2024, we refreshed the blocks with a new coat of paint for How to Eat Like a Child. Their final appearance was in Madagascar, where we continued to arrange the letters to spell “SHOW” for Showtime!

What adventures will they go on next?

Covering letters July 23, 2024

Learn Your Lessons Well - Production Camp Day 1

Several years ago, as our own children outgrew MiniShows, Susannah and I decided to launch Production Camp—a unique program designed to challenge our older and more experienced actors by staging a full-length musical in just two weeks. Since its inception, we’ve brought to life The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Snoopy the Musical, The Drowsy Chaperone, and The Addams Family. Many participants have said these experiences are among the most memorable and enjoyable they've had with their SCT family.

Today, as our actors gathered at the theatre for our first day of Godspell Production Camp, it felt like a heartwarming family reunion. Some hadn’t seen each other since our spring shows, and their joy at being together was palpable. We cherish being the catalyst for these reunions.

After auditions, which we always hold first, Susannah and I were deep in discussion about casting while the kids worked on their music. As we talked, the sound of their voices and harmonies began to fill the space, and we couldn’t help but stop and listen. We both found ourselves in tears, moved by the beauty of the music they created together for the first time. It was truly an unforgettable moment.

We still have a lot to accomplish in the remaining 8 days of camp, but if today’s rehearsal is any indication, this show will be exceptional! You definitely won’t want to miss it.

Mark your calendars for August 1 & 2, with performances at 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM each evening. Tickets will be available for purchase at silvermoonkids.com starting July 25. We look forward to seeing you there!

All Good Gifts

With nearly 100 kids, 8 dedicated interns, 75 hours of camp, approximately 720 enthusiastic audience members, almost 200 delicious Stained Page cookies, one hurricane Beryl and countless high fives, reminders, and shushing, we have officially closed our 2024 summer MiniShow Season with tonight’s performance of “The Stinky Cheese Man.”

On my drive home, still sweating after a 12-hour day with throbbing feet, a tired brain, and a hoarse voice, a familiar song from "Godspell," our upcoming Production camp, came on my Spotify playlist.

“We plow the fields and scatter the good seed on the land..
But it is fed and watered by God's almighty hand..
He sends the snow in winter, the warmth to swell the grain...
The breezes and the sunshine, and soft refreshing rain...

All good gifts around us
Are sent from Heaven above
So thank the Lord, oh thank the Lord for all his love...

We thank thee then, O Father, for all things bright and good,
The seedtime and the harvest, our life, our health, our food,
No gifts have we to offer for all thy love imparts
But that which thou desirest, our humble thankful hearts!

All good gifts around us
Are sent from Heaven above..
So thank the Lord, oh thank the Lord for all his love..

I really wanna thank you Lord!”

God has blessed us with the gift of SCT and the incredible kids, families, and audience members who come to support their favorite actors. While there are certainly challenges and moments of exhaustion, each challenge is accompanied by countless blessings. We know these blessings come straight from HIM!

Up next, Godspell, August 1 & 2!

Snapshots and Growing Up

We are so blessed at Silvermoon Children’s Theatre to experience the growth of the kids who come to play with us. We witness their physical growth firsthand, from costumes they've outgrown to progressively mature headshot photos, and seeing them move "UP" to the taller line in group photos, which to them is a HUGE accomplishment. The kids always celebrate these milestones, and we are so thankful to get to celebrate with them. However, when we do, it's often with a tear in our eye, knowing they'll never be that little again.

Lily Elder from Tech Booth Rotations from 2022, 2023 and 2024. Growing up before our eyes!

Just as with physical growth, we celebrate the maturation of their skills and talents. There's an innocence when they first start at SCT, and as they participate in shows, learn more, gain confidence, and practice their skills, we see them take leaps and bounds in what they can do and how they approach new and challenging tasks at the theater. We notice these changes and celebrate them, again with a little tear in our eye, remembering where they started.

Thank you for allowing us this unique perspective! It's part of what we treasure about SCT!

MiniShow Lessons - Auditions

We are in the middle of our summer 2024 schedule of MiniShows, STARter and Production Camp and through these processes, I am always amazed by how much kids learn!

Today we held auditions for our Madagascar Week 2 cast. The audition process began with the entire group learning the audition song together. Susannah guided the group, clarifying any confusing parts and explaining unknown references.

One particular line in the song mentioned Gene Kelly, so Susannah took a moment to explain who Gene Kelly was, highlighting his significance as a legendary dancer and actor. She noted that by mentioning Gene Kelly, the character was humorously commenting on their own dancing abilities.

After the group learned the song, Susannah called the cast up in groups to sing together on stage. Each actor then stepped forward to perform a portion of the song they had just learned. The emphasis was on having fun, singing loudly, and staying on pitch. Throughout the auditions, we encouraged everyone to be respectful and supportive of their peers who were performing.

During today's auditions, we observed a wide range of reactions from the kids. Some felt completely at home on stage, exuding confidence and singing loudly. Others seemed terrified, struggling to get the words out. A few performed as if they were born for the stage, others not so much.

Regardless of their level of comfort or performance, we are incredibly proud of each and every one of them. It takes immense courage to put yourself out there and perform in front of an audience. One of the most heartwarming aspects of this process is seeing how supportive the kids are of each other. Every performer, no matter how they felt about their audition, received enthusiastic cheers and encouragement from their peers, creating a room full of excited and supportive fans. While the process can be very nerve-wracking, we love that the kids get to try something hard in a loving and supportive environment.

As the kids gain more audition experience, they begin to realize their capabilities and discover that doing hard things might not be as scary as they initially thought. This process helps them build confidence and resilience, and they start to understand that stepping out of their comfort zones can lead to growth and surprising achievements. Each audition not only improves their performance skills but also teaches them valuable life lessons about perseverance and self-belief.



🎭 Theatres Supporting Theatres 🎭 - TexRep - Nemo and Spongebob

We believe part of theatre education is teaching our actors to see many different types of theatre and to support other theatres in our community. One of our favorite local theatres to support is Texarkana Repertory Company or TexRep. If you did not know, Silvermoon Children’s Theatre and our love for theatre was born out of the exposure and education we got from being a part of TexRep shows and/or being in the audience for TexRep shows while we were growing up. Susannah and I are both part of the board of directors at TexRep and love being a part of what TexRep is doing. We love to encourage our actors and our community to share in the joy. Theatre is much more fun when it is shared! The excitement backstage at SCT when our actors know that a group of TexRep actors are in the audience cannot be explained! We also love being able to support our SCT actors, past and present, when they are cast in a TexRep show. Because we had SCT actors in the cast and it was such a family-friendly show, we gathered a GIANT group of SCT kids and families to “theatre flash mob” The Spongebob Musical on Sunday, May 5. We had the BEST DAY EVER! See our video here: SCT Spongebob Theatre Flash Mob The photo below is of our group who attended, but it’s not everyone, only who we could grab for the photo.

TexRep, our cherished local adult community theatre, has been a cornerstone of theatre excellence in the Texarkana arts scene for an incredible 32 seasons! We are truly blessed to have such a dedicated and talented group enriching our community with their outstanding performances. Their commitment to producing high-quality theatre deserves our ongoing support and appreciation. Let’s ensure TexRep continues to thrive for another 32 seasons…at least! For more information about their shows, upcoming events, and how you can get involved, visit their website at texrep.org.

This weekend, we have a fantastic opportunity to support our friends at (TexRep) as they showcase the amazing talent that has emerged from their two-week camp with a performance of Finding Nemo Jr. 🌊🐠Friday and Saturday evenings at 7 pm at the Stilwell Theatre.

We are especially excited because several of our own SCT kids have participated in this camp, and Susannah has been instrumental in helping run things! Supporting TexRep is not only a way to enjoy a wonderful performance but also an opportunity to strengthen our local theatre community. Again, theatre is much more fun when it is shared!

See you at the theatre for a journey under the sea with Finding Nemo Jr.! 🌟🎉 Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at Finding Nemo Jr Tickets.

See you at the theatre! (TexRep performs in the Stilwell Theatre in the Humanities Building on the Texarkana College campus between the Truman Arnold Student Center and the Library.)

How it started

I am Meredith Farren, the Company Manager Plus for Silvermoon Children’s Theatre (SCT) and one of its founding members. In 2013, my daughter, Abby, who was 9 years old at the time, developed a keen interest in theatre and began participating in shows at another local children's community theatre. During a dress rehearsal, I had an epiphany: our family possessed all the necessary resources to create our own theatre right here in Texarkana.

We had access to a stage, thanks to our parents, who had recently opened Silvermoon on Broad, an event venue featuring a small stage available for rent. We also had a director—my sister Susannah, who held a degree in theatre from Baylor University and was looking for an opportunity to utilize her skills. Additionally, we had enthusiastic children eager to engage in theatrical productions and the collective dream of establishing our own theatre.

With this vision in mind, we announced in November 2013 that we would hold auditions in December for our inaugural season in 2014, starting with a production of "Seussical Jr." To promote our new venture, we participated in the 2013 Christmas Parade, spreading the word about "Seussical Jr." and generating excitement within the community.

Meredith Morriss Farren & Susannah Morriss Linnett excited about the first SCT event which was the 2013 Christmas Parade in Downtown Texarkana.

Meredith Morriss Farren and Susannah Morriss Linnett excited to be participating in SCT’s first event, which was the 2013 Christmas Parade in Downtown Texarkana. We only dreamed of the adventures that awaited us.

Over the past 10 seasons, we have embarked on countless exciting journeys through many stories, welcoming numerous new members who have now become part of our theatre family. Working at SCT is a profound privilege. We have the honor of witnessing our actors and crew members laugh, play, work hard, and cultivate meaningful friendships that will last a lifetime.

It is a joy to see them grow, succeed, and become the best versions of themselves. The opportunity to support and cheer them on every step of the way is truly a blessing to us. Thank you for being a part of our journey!

If you are interested in getting more “mostly” monthly updates on what is happening at SCT, join our mailing list here!