BATON ROUGE — The red carpet is rolling out early this summer for some of Baton Rouge’s youngest aspiring stars!
Baton Rouge native and actress Samantha Smith is returning to her roots in a big way—by launching her very first Weekend Acting Intensive for kids ages 6 to 12, on June 6–7 at the Leo S. Butler Community Center. This isn’t your average kids’ camp. This is a star-powered, on-camera acting workshop designed to ignite creativity, boost confidence, and give young performers a peek behind the Hollywood curtain.
If you’ve caught blockbuster hits like Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins, Big Mama’s House 2, or Pitch Perfect 2, you’ve already seen Smith’s talent in action. Her resume is a mix of major motion pictures, television thrillers, and fan-favorite series like NCIS: New Orleans, Marvel’s Cloak and Dagger, and even Django Unchained. Now, she’s ready to share her experience and expertise with the next generation of storytellers.
“I began acting professionally at the age of seven,” Smith shares. “And over the years, my love for the craft has deepened in phases.” What started as a childhood thrill blossomed into a full-blown passion—and a purpose.
Sign your kids up. Register here.
Louisiana has long been recognized as a top destination for film and television production—once ranking just behind California and New York. With ‘Hollywood South’ booming again, the timing couldn’t be better. Smith is determined to ensure Baton Rouge’s youth are ready for their moment in the spotlight.
“There’s truly no environment like a film or television set,” she says. “Every vocation has a place—whether you’re behind the camera, in front of it, or supporting the process. I believe acting is a safe space to be free, and it’s so important that we cultivate that freedom of expression in children.”
And let’s not forget the parents—because this weekend isn’t just about the kids. Smith hopes to educate families on the business of the business, especially with so many production opportunities popping up right in our backyard.
“I’m doing this because I believe in the power of planting a seed,” Smith explains. “I had a mother who exposed me to the arts, and coaches who created safe spaces for my gift. Now, I want to be that for someone else.”
So, whether your little one is destined for the big screen or just curious about stepping in front of the camera, this two-day intensive promises to be a fun, energetic, and educational experience led by someone who’s walked the walk—and lit up the screen while doing it.
Samantha Smith’s Weekend Acting Intensive:
- Who: Beginner actors ages 6 to 12
- What: Hands-on, on-camera acting camp
- When: June 6–7
- Where: Leo S. Butler Community Center – Baton Rouge
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One Response
Wonderful story about a Baton Rouge actress sharing her talent in a positive way to help other young children discover their talent/s in a positive setting.
Meghan Kelly is a fantastic
Writer.