Durango’s young and talented debuted their acting, singing and comedic skills at the Kid’s Snowdown Follies at the Durango Arts Center on Wednesday evening.

The room was pitch black with the stage being the only thing visible. One by one the children took their turns performing.

Masters of ceremony Shane Minerich and Curtis Salinger, who wore matching gray trousers and black vests, took turns presenting the acts and occasionally joked with the audience. At one point, in unison, the boys hummed the theme song of Mission Impossible.

Noelle Bryant and Rio Edmondson preformed a bit called “Steamwhat?” in which they frantically searched through a pile of clothing trying to figure out what to wear and debating what steampunk meant. They were unable to find an outfit.

Theresa Carson, theater director of the DAC, said the kid’s show is very popular. It was sold out Wednesday night and the theater was packed.

“The kids put together their own act,” she said. “So far, we haven’t turned anyone away. We try to accommodate every group.”

Mike Madden, who is a student counselor at Mountain Middle School, also runs the glee club. This is the third consecutive year the club has performed at the follies, he said.

The students performed “The Machine” by Pink Floyd. The group was comprised of 10 singers and six dancers.

“It gives the kids a once-in-a-lifetime experience which boosts their confidence and self-esteem,” he said.

Prior to going on stage, the children experienced both excitement and nervousness. Others stretched, mouthed their songs and practiced their dance routines.

Liam Hahn, 17, performed a rendition of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.” This is his third year performing in the follies.

“I love getting to work with all these different age groups in Durango,” he said.

The kid’s Follies provides good, clean fun for the children, so they don’t feel left out, Carson said.

vguthrie@durangoherald.com