By JENNIFER BAILEY / Staff Writer

ALABASTER – Every summer, the Albert L. Scott Library in Alabaster hosts a drama workshop led by Darrell Revel as a part of their summer programs. The children learn several different theater techniques and use what they learn to put on a play for family, friends and others in the community.

At the end of the workshop, one participant is awarded a scholarship to attend Camp Shakespeare at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. This year, 11-year-old Carter James was awarded this scholarship. He received this scholarship two years ago, also through the drama workshop at the Albert. L. Scott Library.

“Carter is a natural actor,” said Cheryl James, Carter’s mother.

James said her son has been acting officially since he was 7 years old and took an acting class at his school in second grade. When Carter was old enough, James signed him up for Darrell Revell’s drama workshop. “He has taken part in Darrell’s workshop every summer since,” James said.

Carter has been in several different plays since he began acting. These plays include Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hansel & Gretel and the Creepy Woods, Law & Order: Fairy Tale Unit and “ironically” a play entitled I Hate Shakespeare, James said.

“Carter is looking forward to performing in A Midsummer Night’s Dream again,” James said. “He played Puck, the mischievous fairy, the first time, and he hopes to play Oberon, the king of the fairies, this time. Carter is also looking forward to taking part in a class on stage combat fighting that will be a part of the camp.”

Acting is something that Carter loves because he says that it is fun to pretend that he is someone else. Carter says that acting is like bringing your imagination to life, and he loves to be fun and entertaining. “The more you put into the performance, the more you will get from the audience,” Carter said.

“I am overjoyed that Carter is getting the opportunity to experience theatre and grow his acting skills on such a big stage. I know that every good thing comes from the Lord, so I am thankful to God for this blessing,” James said.

“Carter’s father and I are very proud of our son for pursuing his dreams.”