By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

EDGARD – The lighting in the gymnasium at West St. John Elementary School as it bathed everyone in a yellowish glow may not have been typical of a television set, but the star power assembled there on a recent Wednesday afternoon was more than enough to illuminate the space.

With cameras rolling, a special group of guests addressed the student body about a topic most of them could relate to — the entertainment industry.

The assembly was the brainchild of O.J Breech, who, along with the River Region Multicultural Chamber of Commerce and its partners, has endeavored to expose the students who are part of St. John the Baptist Parish’s 21st Century Learning initiative to experiences they probably would not get the chance to be exposed to otherwise. This project certainly qualifies.

The crew of entertainment industry insiders, led by actor Jaqueline Fleming, who runs the Metairie-based Jaq’s Acting Studio, was at the school to introduce the students to the different aspects and opportunities within the industry and to recruit some of the students for the studio and inclusion in a special project.

“We’re going to make stars out of the individuals in this school,” said actor Lawrence Lejohn. “Some of you are going to come to work with me.”

Aside from the two actors presents, the group also included producer and director Mel Caudle, casting director Mae Chapman and producer, director and talent agent Tommye Myrick.

Fleming and her colleagues plan to create a show centering around and featuring the students at West St. John elementary and high schools as well as Garyville/Mt. Airy Magnet School. The three schools are the ones currently participating in the aforementioned after school program.

Breech said she is not sure yet the nature of the project, but whether it ends up a short film, a sitcom pilot or a reality show, it is the chance of a lifetime for some of the students at these schools.

“This is going to be shopped for real,” said Breech.

Breech said the idea to introduce the students to the world of show business took shape because of the recent increase in film activity in the parish, including the civic center’s current role as production headquarters for the TNT show “Memphis Beat.”

“I thought, ‘Why not bring an element of that here?’” she said.

The rare opportunity could turn into something big indeed. Fleming’s first student, Taylor Ruffin of LaPlace, landed the lead role in the sitcom “My Parents, My Sister and Me” last year at the age of 12.

Breech said Fleming will choose about 50 students from each school to participate in the project and learn the industry inside and out. In fact, some of the students got a jump-start on the process by auditioning for the group that afternoon.

When Fleming inquired, “Does anyone want to audition today?” the statement was met with a sea of eager hands.

She continued, “This is serious business, and we’re getting down to the business part now.”

About a dozen students got up before their peers and after introducing themselves for the camera, sang, danced or otherwise demonstrated their varied talents.

As the students performed, one could see the wheels turning in Fleming’s mind as she mentally made decisions about each child’s star potential.

Even those students who do not make it into the program will get a chance at some airtime, however, as the group is making a documentary about the experience. Furthermore all the students have something to learn from the show business representatives.

Breech said part of the objective in bringing them to St. John Parish is to develop confidence within the youngsters.

“That’s something that’s going to be necessary in the work world,” she said.

The group plans to return to the schools in January to complete the audition process.