From shy to showtime: How one Cy-Fair drama program builds confidence beyond the stage

Davila Hernandez never expected to build her career around children. She wanted to direct, and now, as owner of Drama Kids of Northwest Houston, she says, “kids took a hold of me, and that is my passion now.”

Drama Kids of Northwest Houston teaches communication, public speaking and leadership through theater. Hernandez serves about 250 students of all ages, allowing them the opportunity to take ownership of creative projects, express their silly selves and share their talents with the community that supports them. 

In the classroom

Hernandez describes the program as developmental, rather than performance-based. Each class starts with a “question of the day,” which can be as simple as a favorite color. Students practice eye contact, handshakes, delivering speeches and performing poetry. 

Every child speaks in every class, she said, and group work includes a lesson that “being a leader isn’t always hearing your voice.” Classes often mix ages, which Hernandez said lets older students learn from younger ones, and vice versa. Instructors join activities because Hernandez wouldn’t ask a student to do something she or her classroom instructors wouldn't do. 

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The musical theater program is about four years old and started because students asked for it, Hernandez said. Its next production, "Aladdin Jr.," is in April. Cast members must also take the developmental class, and every member gets a featured moment. 

“I never have a child walk away going, 'I didn’t matter in that show,'" she said.

This year, Hernandez began a pilot program called Ovations, a class offered at select schools, split between developmental work and music performance. This program mimics a “glee club” without the commitment of a musical theater performance. Summer camps led her to bring in teen assistants, who help backstage and with games and earn volunteer hours.

“When you say yes, it can open up these other opportunities,” she said. 

In their words 

Elena Clement, 13, is in her fifth year with Drama Kids. “I used to be terrified of speaking in front of others, but over the years Drama Kids helped me overcome that fear,” she said. Her father, Stephen Clement, said that during a recent performance her microphone fell off and she “stayed completely in character, smoothly delivered the remainder of the act, and kept the scene moving naturally.”

Allison, 11, also in her fifth year, said the one thing she would teach her friends is “to look in the eyes of the character and be the character, not just be yourself.” 

Not every memory is serious. Elena said the other children “always joked about becoming a green bean from an inside joke we shared.” Allison said “walnut” and “bean form” were among her class’s running jokes. 

"The way the teachers mentor these kids, encourage their individuality and make them feel safe taking creative risks is what truly makes the program special,” said Stephen Clement. 

Looking ahead 

Hernandez rents the stages for productions, so students build sets on site and she keeps costumes simple, asking each student to be intentional about what would help build their character. The confidence her students develop through this organization allows them to move past fears and find a safe creative space. 

When asked for one word to describe his daughter onstage, Stephen Clement chose “luminous.”

Drama Kids of Northwest Houston classes meet at multiple community locations. Families can enroll online or by calling.

The next production, "Aladdin Jr.," is set for late April with updates and ticket sales beginning late Feb.