Families work together on production of 'Annie Kids'

For the third annual summer theater camp collaboration between Gateway Musical and Monroeville Recreation and Parks, campers put on a production of “Annie Kids” at the high school’s Robert A. Read Performing Arts Center.

The collaboration has become something of a family affair.

Gateway senior Ethan Settlemire acted as stage manager, while his younger brother Carson, a sophomore, was part of the lighting crew.

“I worked with trying to tell a story through lighting,” Carson said. “And having the actors shine on stage.”

Logan Artim and Josh Fry rounded out the lighting crew.

Ethan, along with Kahlan Furnier and Sophia Laspina, worked as a stage manager.

“The kids are a lot of fun,” Ethan said. “They make my life easier.”

This was Ethan and Carson’s second year on set, while younger brothers – seventh grader Justin and fifth grader Owen Settlemire – attended camp for the first time.

“I wanted to do it because I thought it would be fun to be in a Gateway production,” said Owen, who was cast as Franklin D. Roosevelt. “And I wanted to perform with Justin.”

Justin was part of the film crew, who documented the week.

“I have a behind-the-scenes look,” Justin said.

The Settlemires weren’t the only sets of siblings. Eighth grader Alivia Reeder and her sister, fourth grader Myka, both attended camp this year. Their mother Regan Reeder is thecyber special education facilitator at Gateway High School.

Theater camp began with auditions on July 26. Students worked with returning staff and Gateway and Penn-Trafford high schoolers the following week to prepare for their performance.

Campers spent five days rehearsing, memorizing choreography and taking vocal lessons. The week concluded with two performances of “Annie Kids” on Aug. 2.

Camp was not exclusive to Gateway; any students entering third through eighth grade from any local district were invited to register. A total of 38 campers participated this year – the most so far.

“The first year, we had 16 students, and then 23 campers last year. This year, we had a waiting list,” producer Mary Chase said.

There are seven students who attended all three summers.

Mary isn’t the only family member to be part of “Annie Kids.” Her husband Charles was the set builder, and daughters Liv and Jayla assisted for a second summer.

Liv, a 2019 Gateway and 2023 Point Park University graduate, worked as set designer.

The main backdrop – a 1930s Times Square piece – took her about a week to create.

“I started about two or three weeks ahead of time with my initial ideas for the flat,” Liv said.

2024 Gateway grad Jayla worked as choreographer and assisted with costumes.

“For me, it’s more interesting this year,” said the Seton Hill University sophomore. “I’ve gained more skills. I’m learning from the kids on how to better teach and interact with them.”

The cast and crew were lead again by directing team Eric Phelps – a Penn Trafford and NYU’s Tisch graduate – and Janine Kucinski, Evergreen Elementary’s speech and language pathologist.

Associate director Kucinski, who is in her 28th year at Gateway, said there were a lot of new faces this year and they were all excited to be a part of the production.

“The parents tell me the kids go home and can’t stop talking about it,” Kucinski said. “And it’s been much easier this year because we’ve all gotten into a routine.”

Vocal and artistic director Phelps previously served as the head of the acting and theater department at Westinghouse Arts Academy in Wilmerding and teaches acting classes.

“We’ve expanded this year – cast, artistic team, staff and crew,” Phelps said. “The kids are all so talented and they take it seriously. I run (the program) like a professional show. It’s fast-paced.”

“Watching the interactions between the young stars and the high school helpers is the highlight of my week,” Mary Chase said.