By Elizabeth Mandel

Valley with its " Project Cornerstone ", believes positive experiences and relationships with adults are essential for children and teens to grow into thriving adults . For decades , SVCT has been one of just a handful of theaters in the Bay Area to produce an annual show exclusively for teen actors . Youth involvement in theater can develop skills and traits such as learning to take initiative , taking pride in doing one ’ s best , building creative problem solving skills , learning to work cooperatively , and enhancing oral communication skills .

With that vision , Jenn has assembled a team of volunteers from various professional fields who are as passionate about teaching teens as she is .

Jenn ' s co-producer , Malisha Kumar , is a past member of Morgan Hill ' s Planning Commission and is active with Morgan Hill Rotary . She will work with teens on business and leadership-related aspects of production , such as marketing and advertising , managing community relationships , budgeting , and sponsorships .

Award-winning director Allie Bailey is an immense asset to the production . With a theater degree , professional stage management experience , and years of directing productions , she is uniquely qualified to mentor teens who are excited about directing shows . These teens will take part in creation of the vision for the musical and then work to make that vision unfold , all while learning from Allie .

Miriam Shem-Tov helping with set construction

With its upcoming production of The Lightning Thief : The Percy Jackson Musical , SVCT is expanding the opportunities it provides to teens by creating additional roles for them to be mentored in technical , creative , and leadership positions associated with theater . Jobs that are rarely offered to teens will be available only to them , including assistant director , assistant producer , stage manager , and many technical positions . SVCT envisions other teens also participating as part of an onstage teen rock band .

Heading up this production is Jenn Oliphant , a board member of South Valley Civic Theatre and mom of six kids , including two teens . She believes that teens are an extraordinary and untapped potential for talent and professionalism . " There is an eagerness to learn and absorb in teens that is unparalleled and I want them to have all the resources they need , not just to create but to be the magic that is theater ."

Brody Bourke , Chloe Oliphant and Clara Shem-Tov learning about lighting and sound design from Brody Bourke

Technical aspects of the show are led by Spencer Oliphant . With over two decades of professional experience in theater and production , he will teach teens to design lighting and sound , program equipment and software , mic and mix a live band and cast , and ultimately run the show .

Chloe Grotz with the spotlight

Directing the teen rock band are classically trained pianist and experienced SVCT music director Mark Wong and former Tsunami Bomb band member Brian Bourke who with an education in studio engineering and radio broadcasting , is also the parent of an SVCT teen actor .

SVCT is proud to be the non-profit community theater for Gilroy and Morgan Hill . Support for youth and teens is important to these communities , and we are excited to provide these additional opportunities for them . We encourage you to come see what they are able to accomplish ! To learn more about SVCT ' s teen production of The Lightning Thief , opening February 23 at the Morgan Hill Community Playhouse , go to www . svct . org / 2024 _ lightning .

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