On April 2 at 7pm, a group of young thespians will showcase a self produced presentation of Juvie.  High school seniors Danae Wesley and Kaitlin Westbrook selected the script and serve as co-directors and producers for the performance which features local high school and college students.

The two honed their skills as part of the Capitol Arts Youth Theatre.  “Danae and I have been in several CAYT productions. However, Danae has been involved from the beginnings of CAYT and actually was the one who initially introduced me to the Capitol Arts Youth Theatre in 2008.” said Westbrook. “Since then, we have acted together in both The Crucible and Grease, and I performed in CAYT’s production of Dracula. Additionally, Danae has been active in Horse Cave’s Young Performers, various PTK productions, and Arts Alive performances.”

Juvie is ranked by the International Thespian Society as one of its members’ most frequently produced short plays and the most honored of Jerome McDonough’s many acclaimed scripts.

“Both Danae and I had heard about Juvie a few years ago and discussed performing in it, but when we discovered the possibility of directing a show, we knew this one was the one we wanted to take on.” explained Westbrook.

The script is well suited for a first time production with few requirements for sets, costumes and other production details.   It is a character driven story about youth entering a juvenile detention center.  As each is processed they describe what lead to their incarceration and their feelings about their predicament.

When asked about the first time experience of producing a play, Kaitlin Westbrook gave props to the supporting cast and crew, saying “We have a wonderful cast and crew. Our stage manager, Jesse Cooper, has been amazingly helpful in organization and keeping things together. She contacts our cast with changes in schedule and important dates and basically keeps our world sane. Our actors, regardless of how many lines they have or how much stage time their parts involve, have been wonderful in their commitment and energy.”

But orchestrating a production has also had its pitfalls.   She explained, “Danae and I have learned that organization is key in an event such as this one, and more than that, we have discovered people’s reluctance to take teenagers seriously. However, there are people who have believed in us, and because of those people, we have this opportunity. I sincerely hope this production will be a great one, and other people will be inspired to try new things.”

One person who believed in them was Karen Hume, Director of the Capitol Arts Center. “I am very proud of Danae and Kaitlin for taking on this project, as well as the rest of the cast of young actors that are involved.  This is a very talented cast of current and past CAYT participants who are very special to us.  It is truly a delight to see how these young people grow in our program.”  Hume said.   She added, “I have been here for advisement and encouragement, but this has been basically their project from day one.  They have been responsible for all the aspects of the show from finding the script, casting, directing, set design, set construction, financing and promoting.”

Both Danae and Kaitlin plan to audition for one more CAYT production before beginning their college careers, hoping to earn roles in the upcoming production of Sweeney Todd.

Juvie will be presented at the Capitol Arts Center at 7pm on April 2.  The tickets will cost $8.00 per person and $5.00 per person in groups of 10 and more.  Call 782-ARTS for more information.

Juvie is directed by Danae Wesley and Kaitlin Westbrook with Jess Cooper serving as Stage Manager.  The cast includes: Alex Crocker, Annika Tuominen, BJ Hunstad, Brian Clark, Dah-Gee Davis, Danae Wesley, James Wallin, Jess Harris, June Laves, Kaitlin Westbrook, Katelyn Mason, Keitan Stacks, Lusie Cuskey, Mark White, Sanaa Abrar, Seane Thomas and Megan Sanders.