Children’s Theatre Workshop performances set Saturday at PCPH

Under the direction of playwright and director MJ Cooper (standing center) a group of young thespians prepare for their roles in “The Three Pigateers,” one of three plays to be staged Saturday evening as the culmination of the Putnam County Playhouse Children’s Theatre Workshop.

Banner Graphic/JARED JERNAGAN

The annual Children’s Theatre Workshop is happening at Putnam County Playhouse this week, July 22-27. Director Caroline Good has assembled her staff, and there are about 30 participants involved.

The workshop will conclude with a presentation of three original plays on Saturday, July 27 at 7 p.m. Admission is free thanks to a grant from Arts Illiana.

The plays are “The Three Pigateers,” written and directed by MJ Cooper and featuring Alex Yuhas, Ella Haltom, Aliana Wilson, Gloria Jones, Jeriden Vaughn, Caydee Johnson, Garrett Lamb-Young, Hannah Jernagan and Liza Tischer.

Preparing for a performance of “The Summer of Elves & Shoes,” four young actors get pointers from director Craig Robinson earlier this week. The play, which is written by Ellen Blackledge, is one of three that will be staged at 7 p.m. at Hazel Day Longden Theatre. There is no admission charge.

Banner Graphic/JARED JERNAGAN

The next play is “The Summer of Elves & Shoes,” written by Ellen Blackledge and directed by Craig Robinson. It features performances by Avalyn Templeton, Quinn Dory, Tatum Wilson, Wyatt Schutter, Gibson Robbins, Elijah Neeley, Clark Squires, Noah Neeley and Colton Hessler.

The third play is “I Hate Jury Duty,” written and directed by Ruby Sullivan. Performers in this production are Cheyanne Newlin, Carson Squires, Silas Glessner, Levi Watkins, Ella Yuhas, Zoey Bond, Millie Jones, Lauren Wells, Keyli Hamblet and Elliot Wright.

In addition to the playwrights and directors, the CTW staff includes Sarah Armitage, Kathi Elliott and Rebecca Hebb, along with some super helpful and enthusiastic interns (all CTW and YTW alumni): Catherine Ryan-Shager, Josie Cox, MJ Cooper, Ella Tischer, Josie Tischer and Charlotte Tomamichel.

Performing their civic duty, two of the jurors in “I Hate Jury Duty” discuss the facts of the case before them. Written and directed by Ruby Sullivan, the play is one of three set to be staged Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Hazel Day Longden Theatre as part of the annual Children’s Theatre Workshop.

Banner Graphic/JARED JERNAGAN