RESERVE — “It’s not about the result.”

Talented theater teacher Garrett Prejean shares these words with his eighth and ninth grade talented theater students each year as they prepare to take the stage for their first revue show.

A group of 11 students at the St. John the Baptist Parish STEM Magnet School are putting their fears aside at 7 p.m. Wednesday for a holiday-themed show at the STEM school, 1880 River Road in Reserve.

Tickets, available at the door, are $5 for adults, $1 for students who attend St. John Parish schools and free for those younger than school age.

Featured performers are Sara Brooks, Destiny Brown, Jada Brown, Ashari Johnson, Je-Nya Ketchens, Carlos Martich, Megan Remondet, Alaila Snyder, Sophia Clement, Mariah Duncan and Lakayla Hopkins.

The program includes 17 scenes written and performed by students, as well as exciting improvisational bits to keep young actors on their toes.

Prejean said the revue is designed for younger students to express themselves without fear of judgment.

“It introduces them to start creating material and also, in turn, allows them to start finding what their voice is as young student artists,” Prejean said.

“They can start to have a voice about their community, who they are as young adults maneuvering through the world, without judgment. They don’t have to worry about what the result is. This is the beginning of them learning how to free themselves.”

One of the Christmas-themed scenes is called “Santa Kidnapper,” while others focus on political satire and social commentary.

Gun laws are among the topics addressed because of its relevance to this generation’s students.

“We expect the satire will be fun,” Prejean said. “It’s a way to get the students into politics so they begin paying attention to the world around them.”

As students progress through the talented theater program, they will have opportunities to perform and direct large-scale productions.

Prejean said Wednesday’s event marks the first theater revue show at the STEM Magnet Program and a new opportunity to give back.

Proceeds from ticket sales and monetary donations will be used to bless a local family this Christmas.

Though students have not been informed of which family will receive donations due to confidentiality, Prejean said they are happy to be a part of a positive community initiative.