"I love being on stage," she says. "Ever since I saw the American Musical Theater's production of My Fair Lady in 1995, I knew I wanted to be in the spotlight. Plus, I like watching people leave the theater with big smiles on their faces. It feels good to know I added a special excitement to someone's day."

Fortunately theater companies like West Valley Light Opera Association offer monetary support to young people who want to pursue their theatrical dreams.

Three years ago the theater group, now in the midst of its 40th season, set up the Gene Pincus Memorial Theater Arts Scholarship in honor of the Saratoga resident who served on the association's board and co-produced, along with his wife, Cele, several light opera productions.

The $500 scholarship is awarded to a Santa Clara County graduating high school senior who intends to pursue a career in theater arts and who has demonstrated a high degree of involvement in the performing arts throughout his or her high school career.

"Heather wrote an outstanding essay," says Marge Hand, a member of the association, "and the judges were very impressed with her resume of theatrical accomplishments at Presentation High School, and her other activities with the Santa Clara Ballet, Children's Musical Theater of San Jose, Theater in the Mountains and others."

In addition, Heather supported the organization's Smokey Joe's Café production by staffing the sound and lighting boards.

In order to ensure that no applicant received special consideration, Hand says the names and other personal information were removed from all submissions for the scholarship.

"The judges chose strictly based on the content of the essay, the student's involvement in theater arts and other criteria as outlined on the application," Hand says.

Heather will attend Sacramento State University in the fall and then hopes to go to New York and be on Broadway.

"That would be the ultimate," she says.

But, while she is dreaming big, Kenyon focuses her day-to-day energies on helping other youngsters hone their performance skills.

"I've been dancing and doing recitals since kindergarten," Heather says. "I am currently teaching dance and choreographing shows for 12- to13-year-olds at Atlas School of Dance. I love to watch the parents and grandparents congratulating the kids after a show. It makes me happy to be able to share what I know."

Besides being on stage, Heather says she enjoys the companionship of being part of a cast.

"I've made a lot of friends and have really enjoyed their support. Everyone wants to see you do well," she says.

Heather is quick to point out that working in theater has helped her in her everyday life.

"I have gained a lot of self-confidence which helps me in school when I have to give a speech or a presentation," she says. "I've learned to speak slowly and clearly so everyone can understand me. It has also helped me learn how to stand up for myself."

West Valley Light Opera performs three musicals per year at the Saratoga Civic Theater.

"We are a strictly all-volunteer organization," Hand says. "Although some people receive a stipend for travel expenses, we have no paid performers or staff."

The group's next scheduled performance is Rogers and Hammerstein's Flower Drum Song, which opens on June 25 and features performers from throughout the Bay Area.