Young Stars shine Shining in “A Christmas Carol” at Northport’s Engeman Theatre
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A heartwarming tale of talent and dedication unfolds on long Island as two rising stars, Tyler Renaud and Max DeLuca, bring their passion to the stage in the professional production of “A Christmas Carol,” running through December 28th at the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport. Both performers honed their skills at the Glen Cove Jazz Hands Children’s Theatre program,demonstrating the power of community arts education in nurturing future generations of actors.
From Local Stage to Professional Spotlight
The journey for both Tyler and Max began with a shared love for the performing arts,fostered by the supportive environment of Jazz Hands Children’s Theatre in Glen Cove. Tyler Renaud, now 8 years old, first captivated audiences at age 4 when he approached Christopher Moll, artistic director of North Shore Village Theatre, expressing his desire to participate in a show. Four years later, he’s already amassed credits in professional productions and secured roles in two upcoming Screen Actors Guild-featured films. He currently embodies the iconic character of Tiny Tim in “A Christmas Carol.”
Max DeLuca, 14, is also making his mark, playing Jonathon and serving as an understudy for Young Ebenezer. This production marks Max’s professional theater debut,building upon the foundation he established at Jazz Hands. “It’s been a big jump in my career to understanding different things in theater,” Max shared, adding that he’s “learned a lot of stuff from everyone in the cast.”
The dedication required for this production was important. Both young actors devoted countless hours to rehearsals, including trips to pearl Studios in Manhattan, before finalizing preparations at the Engeman Theater. According to Max, a ninth grader at Glen Cove High School, this intensive process has been invaluable.
The impact of Jazz Hands extends beyond technical skills. Moll noted that Tyler possesses a “naturally talented boy with his confidence,” while acknowledging the program’s role in providing foundational skills. For Tyler, Jazz Hands is more than just a training ground; it’s “my second home,” a sentiment echoed by his mother, Aimee Renaud, who emphasizes its importance even amidst a burgeoning professional career.
Jazz Hands: A Pipeline for Performing Arts Talent
“A Christmas Carol” isn’t just a showcase for individual talent; it’s a testament to the effectiveness of the Glen Cove jazz Hands Children’s Theatre program. Moll expressed immense pride in both Tyler and Max, stating that the professional production “is a really big deal.” Max himself believes Jazz Hands is “basically producing quality performers,” evidenced by the success of its students in professional venues.
The program’s influence extends to the technical aspects of performance,equipping students with an understanding of acting styles and the intricacies of putting on a show. Moll observed that Max “has immersed his whole life into theater,” recognizing a long-held passion. Maria DeLuca, Max’s mother, highlighted the dedication required, noting a “newfound recognition” for the precision and focus demanded by professional theater.
The Engeman Theater’s production of “A Christmas Carol” runs through December 28th, offering audiences a chance to witness the blossoming talents of Tyler Renaud and Max deluca – two young performers whose journey began with a simple desire to be on stage and has now led them to a bright future in the pe
