“Jasper in Deadland explores dark themes including suicide, depression, physical abuse, drug abuse, and anxiety. These troubling topics increasingly confront teenagers as they grow up in the world–especially during the turbulent year we have all endured. Teens want to talk about these topics. Teens need to talk about these topics. Jasper’s journey offers teens the opportunity to explore these concepts in a safe and supportive environment to help the cast and audience feel a sense of catharsis and clarity through the knowledge that they are not alone. We are committed to creating a creative environment with a strong focus on mental health and adapting to the reacclimation of in-person performance. Done with love and support, we believe this show has the potential to help teenagers understand and cope with the difficulties of emotions around growing up.” – Jeremy Steckler, Director

Jeremy Steckler (Director)

Jeremy is a senior at the University of Washington studying Business Administration (Entrepreneurship and Marketing) and Drama (Performance). He has been a part of the KIDSTAGE community for four years and has loved every moment. His favorite past roles with KIDSTAGE have included Roger in RENT and Steven in Bring It On.

Amaya Zhané (Choreographer)

Amaya is soon to be 21 years old and is from Orlando, Florida. Amaya is a current rising junior musical theatre major at Cornish College of the Arts. Some of her interests include POC representation and content, educational outreach in theatre, as well as production management and accessible and sustainable choreography. She is so excited to experience her second summer show at Village Theatre KIDSTAGE and to work with all of you!

Taylor King (Music Director)

Typically found on the lit part of the stage, Taylor has most recently been seen in the University of Washington’s 3 sisters (Col. Vershinin) and Romeo and Jules (Benvolio). Currently a junior at UW, Taylor aspires to take part in theatre in as many ways as possible. This time around, he’ll be taking on a new challenge as music director and couldn’t be more impressed with the team around him. He’s looking forward to a great run of Jasper in Deadland and hopes that you enjoy the show!

The Summer Independent program is a professionally mentored program unique to Village Theatre. It is the pinnacle theatrical experience for students in the KIDSTAGE program and provides autonomy, resources, and mentorship to aspiring theatre professionals to produce their own full-scale show from start to finish. Unlike other KIDSTAGE productions, emphasis is put on the design, creation of the show, and peer-to-peer mentorship. Students take on every aspect of producing; from directing to designing and building sets, creating costumes, running sound and lights, marketing, management, and more.

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