Some stars watch their kids get into the act

GALVESTON — Jennifer Daugherty, of Galveston, and Robin Lusby Schaefer, of Texas City, are stage mothers with scripts of their own.

Daugherty, choreographer at Island ETC (east-end theatre company), helps plot out steps for two daughters performing in the musical “Gypsy.”

Schaefer stars as Rose, the mother of all stage mothers, while keeping tabs on two daughters of her own in the production.

“It is so wonderful to watch them,” said Schaefer, a veteran stage actress and mother of three. “It’s like they’re playing dress-up and they get on stage and they’re just glowing and beaming. There’s a lot of pride.”

Schaefer was 12 when she was bitten by the acting bug herself, tagging along with her older sister performing in “Sweet Charity” at Galveston College. While her sister went into nursing, Schaefer made acting into a career.

“I was actually a starving artist,” she said with a laugh.

But when children came along, she set aside her scripts for a while.

“I decided to retire because the hours are too crazy to raise little ones,” she said.

As the children got older, Schaefer took them to rehearsals. They began to follow her footsteps, acting in area productions.

In “Gypsy,” Hanna, 13, plays a Hollywood blonde, while Sydney, 7, is a balloon girl. Son Riley, 11, also has the acting bug and has performed in other area productions.

All three children are active in sports and church programs during the school year, so the family theatrical season is limited to summers for the most part.

“I have to be just a mom and a taxi driver during the school year,” Schaefer said.

Come summer, when she suits up in costume and makeup for roles, she now has her children looking over her shoulder.

“When I’m trying to get into character and get my makeup on, I’m still their mama,” she said.

“My 7-year-old doesn’t have any problem coming up and taking the mirror and helping herself to makeup.”

Daugherty, a veteran choreographer, also has two daughters in “Gypsy.” Tyler, 7, is a balloon girl, and Chesney, 11, plays young Louise.

She has worked with Island ETC for five years, managing the choreography and box office. She also teaches evening dance classes during the school year. Her daughters are part of the Students on Stage program at Island ETC, learning voice, acting, dance and theater skills.

Having her children on stage adds a new dimension to the job.

“This is not only my job — it’s my passion and now it’s what my whole family enjoys,” Daugherty said. “It’s just a blessing.”

Schaefer agreed.

“It’s fun to watch your children have fun on stage,” she said.“It just makes your heart happy.”

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At A Glance

WHAT: Island ETC production of the Broadway classical musical, “Gypsy”

WHERE: ETC at the Strand Theatre, 2317 Mechanic St., Galveston

WHEN: Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. and Sunday afternoons at 2:30 p.m. through Aug. 7.

TICKETS: $25 for adults; $20 for students and senior citizens. Call ETC at 409-762-3556 or 888-762-3556 for tickets or more information.

STUDENTS ON STAGE PROGRAM: Call ETC at 409-762-3556 for information.