Wausau Pilot & Review

Editor’s note: This sponsored weekly feature shares the stories of locally-owned and operated businesses and organizations in the Wausau area, highlighting the products and services they offer and the ways they contribute to the metro area’s unique flavor. Learn how to feature your business by emailing [email protected].

This week’s featured Wausau business is Central Wisconsin Children’s Theatre, an organization that was formed in the late 1970s when two groups, Wausau Children’s Theatre and The Merry Pipers, merged. Since then, CWCT is the only organization in the area offering theatre created for and produced by children. Over the years, hundreds of shows have been produced by thousands of children to the delight of diverse audiences, with performances held at a variety of stages including the Center for Civic Engagement at the University of Stevens Point-Wausau. The group produces five main stage shows annually along with two drama camps held during the summer months, all of which aim to inspire and empower area children. One show each year is produced as part of the Penguin Project, a program that pairs kids with special needs with peer mentors to create a musical, generating an amazing experience for everyone involved. Children’s theatre isn’t just fun to watch – experts say participating can promote increased self confidence, improved communication skills and stronger self-expression among children, fostering teamwork and the ability to work through even the toughest challenges. Justin Evans, who has been executive director of CWCT since 2018, is currently serving as director of the group’s upcoming production of “The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley, Jr.” Evans credits CWCT’s success to its many volunteers, a group made up of parents, members of the local arts community and others who are just looking for ways to give back and get involved.

“Everyone from the Director to the makeup crew, and down through the cast is there as a volunteer,” Evans said. “With our current production, most of the production staff are made up of folks that have been involved in theatre but never in a directing role. Kristina Geisler and Robyn Tanger have taken on the vocal direction and choreography for the show and together they are doing as good a job that I have seen. We also have an assistant director, Megan Girard, who is new to the area and has been a godsend in keeping me focused and organized during this production.”

Here, Evans shares some background on CWCT and its mission, along with the many ways theatre enriches the lives of local children.

  • Photo by Natalie Helen Photography, courtesy of CWCT
  • Photo courtesy of CWCT
  • Photo courtesy of CWCT
  • Photo courtesy of CWCT
  • Photo by Natalie Helen Photography, courtesy of CWCT
  • Photo by Natalie Helen Photography, courtesy of CWCT
  • Photo by Natalie Helen Photography, courtesy of CWCT
  • CWCT Executive Director Justin Evans. Photo courtesy of CWCT

What about children’s theater brings you the most joy?

The biggest joys that I get out of being involved with CWCT is watching a child step out of their comfort zone for the first time and do something that they didn’t think they were capable of; the look of accomplishment that they have on their faces during the opening night curtain call; and any time a parent comes up to me and says that they can’t believe how much more self confidence their child has now as a result of being in a show. 

What are the age ranges of the children involved? What is the youngest actor you’ve worked with? 

Most of our productions involve kids between 6 and 18 years of age.  However, we try to have at least one show per season that features adults. We found that young performers tend to learn quite a bit while working with local theatre veterans.  The youngest actor I have worked with would have been 5.

How do you recruit kids to perform? 

Our biggest recruiting tool that we have is our productions themselves. We receive the most inquiries about how to get involved within the first few days after a production.  We also offer summer drama camps where kids that are new to theatre can discover what it’s all about. 

How do you choose the programs you perform?

We have a play selection committee that meets towards the beginning of the year to decide on what the next season’s productions will be.  They look at which new shows are available, which productions haven’t been done in the area recently, and we’ve also started to look at what type of social impact a show may have – such as, does a show’s theme relate in some way to things that are impacting young people or families today. 

How often do the children rehearse? How long does it take to get from a production’s start to the final product?

Our rehearsal period can last anywhere from 6-10 weeks depending on the size of the show.  In one instance our rehearsal period lasted 12 weeks.  During that time, we usually hold rehearsals from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Once we get closer to the performance, we hold Friday rehearsals as well. 

Do you have a favorite production you’ve been a part of?

This is a tough one.  I have been fortunate to have been a part of some really great productions both on stage and off over the past 28 years.  To narrow it down to an overall “favorite” is nearly impossible.  As an actor, my favorite role would have to be as the Emcee in a UWMC production of “Cabaret” in 2001.  As a director, it would be our production of “Newsies” in 2018.  In both instances, the end result was better than what I had envisioned at the start of the production. 

What are some of the biggest challenges involved in children’s theater?

The biggest challenges that CWCT has faced since I took over as Executive Director in 2018 (well, outside of the pandemic) are the same challenges that we have faced over the past 40-plus years. Fundraising and volunteer engagement are the biggest.  Being a paid staff of one, it’s always a challenge for me to find volunteers to help with bigger projects that happen when there isn’t a production happening.  However, we do have a few really dedicated volunteers that seem to show up to help with whatever we need.  Our organization wouldn’t have lasted this long if it wasn’t for them.   

Tell us more about The Penguin Project.

The Penguin Project is a program that pairs kids between 10-21 who have neurological disabilities such as Downs Syndrome, Autism or Cerebral Palsy with peer mentors that do not have neurological disabilities and together, they produce a musical. Involvement in the program enhances social interaction, strengthens communication skills and boosts self-confidence. It also gives the children an opportunity to create lasting relationships, as theatre promotes a feeling of friendship and family for all involved. It’s the first program of its kind in Wisconsin.

What about stage fright – how do you encourage children to overcome their fear of being on stage?

As with most things in life, the more you can help someone prepare for what they are about to experience, the more comfortable they will be.  During the rehearsal process we try to make sure that they understand the importance of knowing their lines, choreography, and music.  In addition, we have four nights on the stage we are performing on prior to opening night which also goes a long way to settling any major fears they may have.  We also try to stress that having some nerves is a good thing and just means that they care about the job they are going to do. 

How do you see children’s theater as it translates to real-world skills for the kids involved?

Children that are involved with theatre have shown to perform better academically than those not involved with theatre. They also have proven to be more civic minded, making them more likely to volunteer within their communities. But I think the biggest thing that sets “theatre kids” apart from other kids is their ability to show empathy. As an actor, you are always striving to connect with the character you are playing, to find a thread of commonality between them and you. With all of division and fighting happening today, empathy is something that this world could use a lot more of.  

Settle this for me. Theater or theatre?

Theater is the physical building or stage.  Theatre is the overall idea of the performing arts.  So, in other words, “We are going to the local theater tonight,” vs. “My child has been involved in theatre since they were ten.”  At least, that’s how it was explained to me a long time ago. 

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