Teen Theatre returns with weekend production

Jennifer Anger-Jull, Tillsonburg Post Contributor

Teen Theatre is back and Tillsonburg's newest heroes are ready to make their debut.

After several years on the sidelines, Theatre Tillsonburg’s Teen Theatre program is officially back and this summer’s cast is wasting no time showing the community what they can do.

Theatre Tillsonburg will present Will You Be My Nemesis? by Kathryn Funkhouser, an energetic and hilarious superhero comedy that turns the traditional hero story on its head. It runs from Aug. 28-30.

Forget saving the world for a moment. These superheroes have a different problem: they need a nemesis.

And they’re determined to find one.

For the young performers taking the stage, the real adventure has been happening behind the scenes.

After auditions brought the group together, the cast has spent the summer learning lines, developing characters, navigating rehearsals and, perhaps most importantly, getting to know one another. What started as a room full of teenagers, has quickly become a team.

For director Tabatha Buckle, being part of the program’s return is particularly meaningful.

“I am so excited to be a part of Teen Theatre coming back. Many years ago Teen Theatre was how I was first introduced to Theatre Tillsonburg,” Buckle said. “This summer we have an amazing group of kids who have all worked so hard all summer to bring the community a hilarious show.”

That history is now coming full circle as Buckle helps introduce a new generation of young people to the same theatre community that first sparked her own love of the stage.

And this cast is ready to have some fun.

“This was a great experience! Working with people my age was so much fun,” said cast member Anneliese McCarter.

For Logan Smith, one of the best parts of the experience has been the friendships made along the way.

“I’ve had so much fun and made many new friends during this show,” Smith said.

Veeda Follington said the production offered the perfect opportunity to spend the summer trying something new.

“It was something great to do over the summer, and it was amazing to meet new people and perform on stage,” Follington said.

Those friendships and experiences are exactly what Teen Theatre is about. While the audience will see the finished production under the lights, the young performers have spent the summer discovering what it means to work as an ensemble, support one another and step outside their comfort zones.

Director Pete Matthews is thrilled to see the program return.

“After years of being dormant, Theatre Tillsonburg is excited to bring Teen Theatre back,” Matthews said. “An amazing cast of highly talented teens are ready to provide our audiences with a very funny, action-packed show suitable for all ages.”

And if the energy in rehearsals is any indication, audiences are in for something special.

Will You Be My Nemesis? promises larger than life characters, superhero antics, plenty of laughs, and a cast of young performers who are ready to take over the Theatre Tillsonburg stage.

For Theatre Tillsonburg, the production is more than just another show in the season. It is an opportunity to open the doors to a new generation and give local teens a chance to experience every part of the theatre world, from the first rehearsal nerves to the thrill of hearing an audience laugh.

It is also a reminder that community theatre doesn’t just create shows - it creates friendships, confidence, memories and the theatre lovers of tomorrow.

And these young performers aren’t waiting for their turn to be the future of Theatre Tillsonburg, they’re already on their way.

With only three performances, Matthews is encouraging audiences to grab their tickets before the curtain goes up.

“There are only three shows and tickets are selling fast so act now. You are not going to want to miss out,” he said.

Will You Be My Nemesis? runs August 28, 29 and 30 at Theatre Tillsonburg. Tickets are $15 and available online at www.theatretillsonburg.com.