To keep this production as safe as possible while still allowing our young artists to have this opportunity, in-person seating will permitted for families of the cast only. However, we are offering streaming for all our fans. There is an $8 fee for individuals and $15 fee for groups to cover the cost of streaming rights. We appreciate your support!

Click Here to Stream the Show February 26th-28th!

If you’ve ever had a chance to see one of our JCYAT shows, you know what an amazing group of young thespians we have. These actors have been working hard to develop their skills, and they will be led by two of our most experienced actors, John Ortman and Clare Hauersperger, who will serve as student directors under the guidance of Paul Keller, along with other adult mentors. John will direct Bradley Hayward’s I Don’t Want to Talk about It, and Clare will directed Tim Kelly’s adapation of The Secret Garden. 

 

 

Auditions Nov. 15-16
7:00-7:45 for last names A-L
7:45-8:30 for last names M-Z

Parents: please drop off/pick up your actor at the allotted time and/or wait in the car.

Age Requirement: Students Ages 10-18

Audition Expectations: Auditions will be for both of the student directed shows. Cross casting will not be allowed. Come prepared to do cold reads; monologues are welcomed but optional. If you do bring a monologue, we ask that you keep it under one minute. Bring a list of all known conflicts prior to the dates of the show.  All auditions will respect social distancing. Masks must be worn when not actively auditioning. 

The Secret Garden
Adapted by Tim Kelly

Synopsis: Based on the classic children’s book, The Secret Garden follows a young girl’s journey of healing and transformation all caused by the magic of an old forgotten garden. And during this journey, she meets some friends along the way. Characters range from young children to adults of various ages.

Eight Characters:
Mary Lennox–female lead, ten-year-old girl, spoiled orphan.
Colin Craven–male lead, about ten years old, Marys’ cousin who has spent his whole life bedridden, rather pessimistic.
Martha Sowerby–supporting female, fifteen to eighteen years old, Marys’ friend and maidservant, charmingly frank and levelheaded.
Dickon Sowerby–supporting male, twelve to thirteen, Martha’s younger brother, loves nature, has certain charm.
Ben Weatherstaff–supporting male, elderly man, gardener at Misselthwaite Manor (Mary’s new home), comes off rough but is kind.
Mrs. Medlock–supporting female, middle-aged, head of servants at Misselthwaite Manor, has a rigid exterior but kind, follows her orders to the tee.
Archibald Craven–supporting male, in his thirties, Colin’s estranged father, suffers from a crooked spine and ill health.
Additional servant–will be used as an extra servant but also possibly as an offstage voice, and maybe the puppeteer.

I Don’t Want to Talk About It
by Bradley Hayward

Synopsis: I Don’t Want to Talk About It takes a deep dive into the social dilemmas many teens can’t, won’t, and don’t want to talk about. With opportunities for both young men and women in a series of monologues and various scenes, this play has something for everyone to enjoy.

Twelve Actors Cast as Multiple Characters:
Kyle–frustrated, not popular with his peers
Carley–Rachel’s sister, confused, hurt
Rachel–Carley’s sister, speaks in gibberish
Tessa–fast, energetic, childish
Jake–fed up with himself
Meredith–doesn’t have a strong relationship with her mother
Philip–Maya’s brother, judge mental of his father
Maya–Philip’s sister, judge mental of her mother
Erica–saddened over the actions of her parents
Nick–furious over school rumors
Rayna–extremely nervous, concerned
Brett–student, frustrated with his teacher
Karissa–care-free, easy-going
Cameron–fed up with his physical appearance
Logan–has a twitch
Matt–Taryn’s boyfriend, wants to end things
Taryn–Matt’s girlfriend, only speaks over phone
Rebecca–emotionally exhausted
Emmett–has a serious illness
Brenna–is a victim
Chelsea–at her grandpa’s funeral
Samantha–father’s plane was struck by lightning
Baby–Kyle as a baby
Idea–Jake’s inner thoughts
Therapist–Kyle’s therapist
Mr. Frith–Brett’s teacher
Drive-Thru–a restaurants drive-thru
Twitch–Logan’s twitch
Priest–Kyle’s priest
Grandma–Emmett’s Grandma
Mom–Samantha’s mom
Dad–Kyle’s dad

 

Performances

On Demand Streaming Available
Feb. 26, 27, 28, 2021
Directed by John Ortman and
Clare Hauersperger (Student Directors)
Under the Guidance of Paul Keller 

Character / Actor

The Secret Garden
Mary Lennox–Brylee Deuser
Colin Craven–Jack Charlton
Martha Sowerby–Therese Hauersperger
Dickon Sowerby–Sullivan Dick
Ben Weatherstaff–Landon Whitson
Mrs. Medlock–Bridget Bingham
Archibald Craven–Morgan Henry
Puppeteer–Annie Keller

I Don’t Want to Talk About It
Kyle–Max Maschino
Rachel/Erica/Meredith–Viviana Wilson
Jake/Mr. Firth–Mason Williams
Philip/Matt/Nick/Baby–Sam Parisi
Rayna/Karissa/Carley–Emily Keller
Logan/Brett–Brynn Burton
Taryn/Maya–Ava Gerth
Emmett/Brenna–Hannah Kerkhof
Chelsea/Samantha–Alyssa Dusendang
Therapist/Priest–Jenna Boknecht
Cameron/Drive-Thru–Gabriella Parisi
Mom/Grandma–Lucy Horton
Tessa/Rebecca–Olivia Keller
Idea/Twitch–Kameron Williams

Behind the Scenes

Annie Keller, Assistant Stage Manager
Paul Keller, Lights and Sound