By Bri Salgado
intern@salisburypost.com
Kia Rice, a graduate from Salisbury High School, has been interested in writing, filming and directing short films since middle school. Her father, Stanley Rice, said she first showed an interest in writing at the age of 8.
Rice attended Pfeiffer University for two years before transferring to Western Carolina University, where she found the opportunity to direct and act in a sitcom she wrote.
Rice has written a TV show called, “Nothing But Young,” which airs on the student-run TV station TV62, on the Western Carolina campus. Rice wrote “Nothing But Young” during her freshman year in high school. When she heard about TV62, she immediately thought of “Nothing But Young.” The TV station influenced her decision in transferring to Western Carolina.
After transferring, Rice attended a TV62 meeting, where they were holding auditions for anyone wanting to get involved. Rice mentioned her idea, and within a week, they were holding auditions for the show.
“Nothing But Young” is set on a fictional college campus called “Woodland University.” The sitcom follows the lives of five average college friends, played by Tevin Henderson, Matt Kiser, Madeline Seagle, Stefani Cronley and Rice.
Rice wants to show the audience that even though college students are young, they have the opportunity to do huge things in life.
“As young adults, our decisions we make today will affect our tomorrow, and that is the idea I try to get across to the audience,” Rice said.
Rice worked with Chris Read, a senior at Western Carolina, to hold auditions for the show in September 2011. They had more than 20 students audition for the sitcom.
The episodes of “Nothing But Young” range from 13 to 16 minutes long and air each Monday night at 9 p.m. on TV62. The show started airing Monday and there are 8 episodes in the first season.
Each episode has a different theme, such as the importance of friendship, trust, choices, faith and talents.
“We’re not sure if we will have a season two yet, but I sure would love to,” Rice said.
The show premiered on campus Feb. 8. Rice said the crowd was great, leaving the building satisfied.
“The support meant a lot to me, and I thank them for the opportunity I have been given to display my work to others,” Rice said.
As of now, the show is a hobby to Rice. Her goal is to someday work in a television studio, writing and directing.
A criminal justice major, Rice said that after college, she wants to work one-on-one with juveniles who have been placed on probation, to get them on the right track.
Stanley Rice said that Kia has done great with the show thus far. He’s excited for her, because he knows this has been her dream for a long time.
“This has been something she’s tried to do for years with her video camera on her own, getting neighborhood kids in China Grove to act,” Rice said. “Now she has a chance to work with real equipment, and help other people see their dreams as well.”
Kia Rice’s main inspiration is Tyler Perry — best known for writing and directing the “Madea” movies and creating shows “Meet the Browns” and “House of Payne” on TBS — because of his strong belief in Christ.
“I try to make note of my faith as well, in my shows, songs, and everything else I take part in,” she said.
Want to watch? The shows are being put on YouTube under “Nothing But Young.” The show also has a Facebook page where you can get to know the cast better and a Twitter account, @NothingButYoung
Bri Salgado is a senior at East Rowan High School and a Salisbury Post intern.