FEATURE
ON THE STAGE
Teen overcomes shyness , learns life skills
Story by Monique Harrison Henderson Contributing Writer
Photos by Terrell Clark
Carpenter Hill has always enjoyed and appreciated people – but he says he hasn ’ t always felt confident and comfortable interacting with large groups .
But he said that discomfort has disappeared gradually in the past few years , thanks primarily because of the experiences he has had through the Meridian Community College ’ s community theater programs .
“ I have definitely become more social and less anxious ,” said the 13-year-old , who will be in eighth grade at West Lauderdale in August . “ I guess after singing and dancing and doing choreography in front of a lot of people , it is easier to talk to people , too . It gets you prepared to talk to someone without being worried about how it goes .”
Hill spent two years in the Stage 1 program at Meridian Community College , which is for children ages 8 to 12 . Then , this past year , he moved up to the Stage 2 program , which serves teenagers ages 13 to 19 .
Hill primarily performs as part of the ensemble . He enjoys the choral performances and also likes the idea that the work of the chorus often moves the plot of the play forward , his mom , Leia Hill said .
“ He isn ’ t someone who is always focused on being a lead ,” said Carpenter ’ s mom , who was instrumental in convincing Carpenter to initially give theater a chance . “ He really likes being
24 • MERIDIAN LIFE