PRESTONSBURG – Jenny Wiley Theatre is continuing its tradition of innovation in the arts with a new program for area youth known as Broadway Kids.

Broadway Kids was created by Martin Childers, executive director of the Jenny Wiley Theatre.

“In the fellowship hall of Saint Martha’s Catholic Church, 28 kids and 12 adult cast members from ages 8 to 18 began putting together the show,” Childers said. “Broadway Kids is designed to feature our regional youth while involving them with the professional cast and staff for a learning experience in professional theater. So, for the next two weeks, nearly 40 cast members will work throughout the days and nights to bring you a fast-paced, funny, entertaining musical opening Saturday, July 18.”

Mickey Fisher, the writer behind Jenny Wiley Theatre productions “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and “Frankenstein,” as well as the upcoming “Dracula,” wrote “Broadway Kids.”

Janice Schreiber returns to Jenny Wiley Theatre after a long hiatus for “Broadway Kids.” Schreiber played Miss Hanagan in the 2002 production of “Annie,” and presently is the Director of Theatre at Arendell Parrott Academy in Kinston, North Carolina. This season, she is instructing the workshops and doubles as the director for the show.

Dana Maddox, director and choreographer for “All Shook Up” and last’s season’s “The Wizard of Oz” and “Honky Tonk Angels,” heads up choreography.

Anna Ebbesen, Jenny Wiley Theatre’s musical director, is in charge of teaching all the music, and Dave Kazee, of Salyersville, has created musical tracks for the production.

According to Childers, the Broadway Kids Camp has been made possible by a grant from Equitable Resources. The Broadway Kids production is sponsored by Boyd Pediatric Dentistry with additional support from the Kentucky Arts Council.

For more information on the program and upcoming performances, visit http://www.jwtheatre.com.

Youth and teen cast members include:

Floyd County

Keisha Reid, the daughter of Glen and Reva Slone, Martin

Jessica Hall, the daughter of Jeffrey and Gwendolyn Hall, Prestonsburg

Victoria May, the daughter of Frank and Cheryl May, Allen.

Emily Dillon, the daughter of Connie and Tommy Dillon, Prestonsburg

Olivia Davis, the daughter of Craig and Gwen Davis, Dana

Madison Martin, the daughter of Melissa Martin, Raven

Ally Davis, the daughter of Barry and Betty Davis, Prestonsburg

Pike County

Deelaney Hackney, the daughter of Angela Hackney, Pikeville

Reagan Linton, the daughter of Heather Ratliff, Pikeville

Carmen Hall, the daughter of David and Evelyn Hall, Pikeville

Jade Thornbury and Phoebe Thornbury, the daughters of Joel and Sandra Thornbury, Pikeville.

Taylor Harr, the son of Karen Harr, Robinson Creek

Tanner Sammons, the son of Mike and Alfredia Sammons, Pikeville

Johnson County

Tessa Adkins, the daughter of Barry and Karen Adkins, Paintsville.

Maranda Finney, the daughter of John Finney and Angela Maggard, Paintsville

Cassie L. Callaham, the daughter of Jessica Hall, Vanlear

Knott, Perry County, & Breathitt

Charity Cook, the daughter of Tim and Robin Cook, Hindman

Tyra Short, the daughter of Tim and Katrina Short, Pinetop

Skyler Slone, the son of Kathy Slone, Hindman

Hope Watts, the daughter of Harry and Jamie Watts, Hazard

Michael Maggard, the son of Yvonne and Jim Maggard, Jackson

Tyler Thacker, the son of Homer and of Hazard

Austin L. Huff, the son of Kevin and Anita Huff, Topmost.

Magoffin County

Grace Bailey, the daughter of Melanie Cain, Salyersville

Delaney Wireman, the daughter of Bill and Kristy Wireman, Salyersville

Lexington/Harrodsburg

Hannah Thornsberry, the daughter of Ron and Sheila Thornsberry, Lexington

Hannah B. Turner, the daughter of Susan & Noel Turner, Harrodsburg.