No More Waiting Around for the Grownups

Reprise Theater Company is taking matters into their own hands

Roy Pan was done waiting for a role. Every production consisted of him and his peers looking to the adults to tell them what show they were doing, what roles they would be cast in, what to wear, how to move – and he was done. Pan had a vision of creating a space for and by teens, eliminating financial barriers, and making a space intent on welcoming to all teens. That space that once existed only in Pan’s mind has since become Reprise Theater. 

I had the opportunity to meet these teens, all of whom have taken on the roles they have always seen adults do. They have collaborated with the YMCA for a venue, purchased licensing, rented a sound system, and have come together over six months to choreograph and stage an entire musical.

The biggest takeaway these teens seem to be their new-found sense of confidence and the camaraderie they have developed. 

Lia, the Director of Marketing and Operations and a cast member of the show, discovered a new found ability to be her authentic self through her role, the experience reminding her that “no one can dim the light that is inside of you.” Rachel, an Assistant Director and fellow cast mate, focused on how impressive it has been to watch her classmates mature and step into roles she’s only seen adults do. “I think it’s taught me how close everyone is and if we work together, we can create something beautiful.”

This team of teens is pushing against the endless talk from adults about the apparently phone-addicted lives of modern day teens. “Teens are a lot more productive than you might expect,” said Choreographer and Assistant Director Ivy. She has experienced firsthand how she no longer feels nervous to raise her hand or give presentations in class, all thanks to getting up on stage. 

Pan recalled getting emotional during rehearsals watching the dedication of his fellow students, sharing “…the drive to want to do this, and the commitment, really stunned me. It was really just incredible to witness,” said Pan. 

In the future, the group hopes to hold a cabaret at Maureen’s Jazz Cellar, as well as spearheading a creative collaboration with Venture Together Follow the company @reprisenewyork or go to their website repriseny.org to stay up to date on the first teen-led theatre in New York. It’s safe to say that these teens will continue to create instead of wait – and we couldn’t be prouder.