Young Actors Test The Footlights

Front: Olivia Jenerou, Alexandria Johnson, and Rosie Rogers, MIddle: Ava Vincent, Kiley Maike, Erdrick Burke, Endigo Johnson, Ryleigh VanderPol, Matthew Rogers, Back: Eric Johnson, Crystal Johnson, and Ted Mitchell

Stage Door production features youthful thespians 

Pictured above are most of the cast of “The Fairy Tale Network” a children’s play scheduled for performances  at Stage Door Players in White Cloud on August 19 at 7:00 pm and Saturday August 20 at 2:00 and 7:00 pm.   The cast includes youth from ages six to fourteen and appearances by a few adults. We caught up with Brenda Huckins Bonter who is directing the play for a few questions

What led you to take this on?
"I haven't done any directing since I retired from teaching. I love working with young kids and introducing them to the joy of performing. I directed the theater program at Grant High School for many years, often doing three shows a year, a children's play, a dinner theater, and a musical.  I hadn't acted since college but played a small role in an SDP (Stage Door Players) play last December.  Now that I'm retired from all my part time jobs, I felt like this was the time to get back into something I love so much.   I am also currently on the board of directors at SDP. " 

Tell us a little about the play and the casting process
The play is about a Fairy Tale Network that needs to up its ratings, they decide to re-work some familiar fairy tales to catch a new audience.  Our young cast is very enthusiastic and are bringing a lot of positive energy to the production

What are the biggest challenges with such a young troupe of performers?
Probably the biggest challenge is getting them to use their "outside" voices and not be afraid to be silly!

What are the biggest positives?
Their enthusiasm and willingness to be flexible are outstanding! 

Have any in the cast been involved in theater before? How many newcomers?
Most are newcomers to the stage with a couple who have been in previous shows, Layla Empie was Anne in Anne of Green Gables and will be playing her again in Anne of Avonlea in an upcoming production. The cast also includes a couple of adult seasoned actors in small roles. 

Why should people attend?
We hope to have a great turnout to support these young people who are so willing to take up new challenges. It is a delightful play for young children and a chance for adults to see the spirit and skill of these young kids.

Stage Door Theater is located in downtown White Cloud at 1147 E. Wilcox.
Tickets are available at the door, $5.00 for Adults and $3.00 for children.  

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