While studying theater in London in May, Chelsea Lucas decided she wanted to pursue more than a career in acting.
"I also want to direct," Lucas, 19, of Cumbola, a 2011 graduate of Pottsville Area High School, said.
With the support of "about 15" of her fellow thespians and the Sovereign Majestic Theater in Pottsville, Lucas said she's getting her chance.
She's directing a variety show featuring songs, Shakespeare and more, "The Schuylkill Theatrical Showcase," to be presented at the theater on two nights, 7 p.m. Aug. 3 and 7 p.m. Aug. 4. For tickets, call 570-628-4647.
"And I'm really excited because it's something brand new for me," Lucas said.
"As you know, the Sovereign Majestic Theater is always happy to work with local performers. Being provided the opportunity to support our area's young performers is a treat not only for the our theater but for the public in general. There are many opportunities for youth to perform in the theater, and the more stage experience they have, the better they can develop their craft," said Amy S. Burkhart, the theater's executive director.
"Chelsea's show is a fantastic opportunity for her and her crew to develop the skill set needed to become a better performer and director. The theater board is excited for her to develop the show and hopes that she has a great experience in doing so," Burkhart said.
While in high school, Lucas acted on a number of local stages, both in high school productions and shows with the Actors Guild of Schuylkill County.
For example, she played "Sally Brown" in the Guild's summer 2010 production of "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" at the Sovereign Majestic. And she played "The Baker's Wife" in the high school's 2011 production of the musical "Into The Woods."
After high school graduation, she enrolled at Bloomsburg University as a theater arts performance major.
"For the longest time I always saw myself as a performer. In May, I went abroad and studied drama and Shakespeare in England. It was a great experience. And through that I realized that there's so much more to do than just acting. There's backstage work. There's producing and directing. And I thought, 'You know, I really like directing,' " Lucas said.
When she returned from her trip two weeks ago, she decided to contact the Sovereign Majestic.
"I really wanted to experience what it's like doing directing. And I wanted to have some kind of experience during the summer, doing some kind of theater work. So I contacted Amy Burkhart. I told her I wanted to perform and direct. And she said, 'You know what, go for it,' " Lucas said.
With a show dates set, Lucas rounded up some local talent. According to Lucas, the cast includes: Kelly Pleva, 20, of Friedensburg; Ryan Kovach, 20, of Frackville; Anthony Kurdilla, 17, of Frackville; Daniel Romberger, 20, of Valley View; Cassidy Conroy, 20, of Ashland; Cassidy Munley, 16, of Pottsville; Tyler Pangonis, 17, of Saint Clair; Donald Bogdonanwicz, 18, of Port Carbon; Kim Kroznuski, 17, of Saint Clair; and Ian Hower, 18, of Schuylkill Haven.
The show will feature a variety of material. And as director, Lucas said, "I'm choosing some of the scenes for them. What I really want to show is all aspects of the art. I want to show Shakespeare to contemporary to musical theater."
But, Lucas said she's also open to hearing ideas from her players.
"I want to let them know I'm going to work hand-in-hand with them. I want to give them as much rein as I can allowing them to do what they want. It's like summer stock theater, giving them the opportunity to go out and do what they do best," she said.
While directing, Lucas said she's also planning to perform.
"I am going to be doing some Shakespeare, a scene from 'The Tempest.' I'm playing 'Stefano,' " Lucas said.
Lucas and the cast are still deciding what songs and scenes will be in the show.
"We will also be showcasing art throughout the theater. Art and photography will be by Julia Kline, 18, of Pottsville. She is studying now at West Chester University. She is a brilliant artist and photographer and I'm really excited to showcase this artist and her work," Lucas said.