Auditions were handled, from left, Dixon Community Theater President Cheryl Sommers, teen ambassador Joshua Benson, board member Angel Gatchel, Vice-President Kelly Pidgeon James and singer/songwriter Angi Wolf. Photo by Nicolas Brown

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Dixon Community Theater is charting a new course this fall with its upcoming production of “Treasure Island,” a youth-focused adaptation of the Robert Louis Stevenson classic.

Auditions were held Aug. 13 and 14 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Hall, 1305 N. First St.

Directed by longtime theater contributor Angel Gatchel, the production aims to provide a fun, educational and accessible theatrical experience for local children.

Kelly Pidgeon James, vice-president of the Community Theater, said the organization’s goal is to reach as many youth as possible.

“We had 21 kids audition the first night and at least six or seven more the second,” said James. “At least half of the cast will be newcomers. It's really exciting. Our goal is to reach as many kids as possible. We’re the only free activity available to everyone in Dixon.”

Auditions were held at Veteran’s Memorial Hall, 1305 N. First St., across two days. According to theater Vice- President Kelly Pidgeon James, the group is putting together a cast of 30 or so actors ranging from 6 to 16 years old. Photo by Nicolas Brown

With a cast size expected to reach around 30 children ranging from 6 to 16 years old, “Treasure Island” is being adapted to be more accessible for younger performers. 

“We’re very careful to arrange the dialogue so everyone has lines suited to their level,” James said.

Callbacks were announced Aug. 16 on the organization’s website and Facebook page. Rehearsals will start the following weekend. The show is scheduled to open in October, just in time for the Halloween season.

“We just wrapped ‘Alice’s Wonderland,’ which was flowery and whimsical,” said James. “This time, we wanted something with more action and adventure. It helps us expand what we teach the kids.”

For Gatchel, stepping into the director’s chair is a new and meaningful experience. 

“I'm super excited to give something back to the community, especially the children,” said Gatchel. “When I saw the opportunity to do something kid-oriented, I said, ‘Let’s do it.’”

Gatchel emphasized that casting is focused less on talent and more on passion and willingness. 

“We’re looking for people who want to try something new and grow. A lot of kids came in quietly and now they won’t stop talking,” Gatchel said.

Dixon Community Theater hosted auditions for its newest production, the Robert Louis Stevenson classic “Treasure Island.” Angel Gatchel will direct the youth-oriented production with Angi Wolf on music. Photo by Nicolas Brown

Musical support is being led by Angi Wolf, who is also contributing original music. 

“We want to put them in a position where they’re not only learning but feeling good about what they’re doing,” Wolf said.

James encouraged the community to support the October production. 

“Come see what Dixon Community Theater has to offer. ‘Alice’s Wonderland’ was our biggest production yet and Treasure Island is going to build on that momentum,” James said.

Performance dates are Oct. 17, Oct. 18 and Oct. 19. Ticket information will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information, visit dixoncommunitytheater.com or call 707-903-8387.