THREE RIVERS — Voice teacher and drama coach Eileen Farrell is packing her creative bags and moving them to Porterville.

Currently teaching vocals at her studio in Three Rivers and teaching drama in Exeter, the busy former musical and legitimate actress has the future in mind — the future of the young aspiring entertainers in Porterville and its surrounding areas.

“I think the move is good for a lot of reasons, but especially because most of my students come from Porterville,” Farrell said. “There are a lot of talented young people in the area. It will be a lot more convenient for them if I’m closer.”

The South Valley icon has been boosting the creative careers of young people since 1965.

That’s the year, together with her late husband Walter Farrell, she founded The Farrell School of Performing Arts in New York.

The Farrells taught drama and music in the parochial school system in Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island, N.Y. for 10 years. They moved to Hollywood in 1975 and together were vocal and music consultants in the Lawndale School District for 2 years.

The creatively busy Farrell began working as a talent agent in 1979, and in 1983 founded The Eileen Farrell Talent Agency, Inc., which she later sold.

Under her care, the agency became one of the most trusted and respected agencies in the industry, specializing in the discovery and development of children and young adults.

Christina Applegate and  Robin Wright Penn are working examples of talent she discovered, nurtured and whose careers Farrell launched.

If she has her way, many more will be added to the list of her students who become professionals — Danielle and Raquel Booth, Danielle Hanks, and Ayla Stackhouse, this reporter’s niece, included.

David Hanks speaks highly of Farrell’s work with daughter Danielle, 13.

“Eileen has been working with Danny since after she performed in “Babes in Toyland in 2005,” Hanks said. “She had a couple of solos, and didn’t feel like she sang very well. She asked if she could take singing lessons, and I think she has been doing that since early 2006.

“Shortly after she got started she discovered Elieen gives acting lessons. Eileen has spent time on Broadway and has highly relevant experience to get a person up to speed. She uses Italian Arials as a training method, which helps kids focus. Eileen is terrific — she has made a world of difference.”

Hanks said Farrell’s annual showcases highlight the work of her students. The showcases give stage experience to the students. Farrell’s latest showcase takes place at 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 28, at 76 W. Harrison Avenue.

Tammy Booth, mother of Dani, 15, and Rocki, 9, addressed improvements she has seen in her daughters since they began taking voice and acting lessons from Farrell.

Both, she said, are improving in unexpected ways.

“I’ve noticed improved social skills in Raquel, especially with strangers,” Booth said. “The classes are also good for memorization — what they are doing is just good for their brains.”

Both her girls enjoy the classes, they said, for their own reasons. All their reasons involve the methods Farrell uses to reach them.

”The classes are good, I like them. Because every single time you go, your voice gets better and it’s fun, too,” Rocki said. “I’ve learned to speak louder, and I’m not so shy. She is a very good actress and singer and that makes her good teacher.”

That doesn’t mean she is not strict, according to Dani.

“She can be strict, but that kind of gives structure to a student,” Dani said. “I haven’t had much experience with other coaches, but I really like how she works and divides the time. For acting, there are so many different things to do, but she still focuses on every person each time, so no one is really left out ... acting helps you come out your shell if you’re shy. She’s firm but she’s caring.”

The diminutive Farrell is also witty, quick to laugh, loves her students — and can spot talent in anyone who has it, she said.

Humor, she said, is good medicine.

“I love sharing the talent I have, to convey the techniques I have,” she said. “[My classes are] wonderful for children who are inhibited and those who are extroverted.

"I love doing whatever I can do to help young people pursue their career in the entertainment business, if that’s what they want. I like to give back what I have learned, to young people especially.”

The performing arts classes are $75 a month, and well worth it, according to Hanks and Booth. The new classes, starting in July, will be held in the building at 76 W. Henderson Ave.

Ayla, 13, who plans to be a professional singer and actress, says she appreciates all Farrell does for her and her fellow students.

“Mrs. Farrell is a good teacher,” Ayla said. “She tells us exactly what we’re doing wrong, and she ... gives us the criticism that we need. What she does will help me improve in my training as an actress and vocalist — I plan to be an actress and singer and dancer.”

Whether a student plans a career in entertainment, or just wants to have fun learning to sing and act, Farrell says she has a place for them in her classes. Each individual student is important to her, she said, and she gives them the attention they need, in accordance with their needs.

“I think about their future, especially those who tell me they want this for their future,” Farrell said. “I try to lead them on the right path, and

I’m able to recognize talent. Acting classes help to develop their confidence, and helps them in whatever career they choose. They learn to express themselves, and it gives them the confidence to pursue what they want in life.”

-- Contact Anita Stackhouse-Hite at 784-5000, Ext. 1043, or astackhouse-hite@portervillerecorder.com

How to attend:
What: Performing Arts Student Showcase
When: 7 p.m. Sunday, June 28
Where: 76 W. Harrison Avenue.
Donation: Adults $5, children free
Contact: For more information on the showcase or classes, call 561-0361