February 7, 2020
Wylie Acting Group’s Annual Waggie Awards 
Wylie Acting Group celebrated ten amazing seasons of fun, hard word, and comradery at the 10th annual Waggie awards! After the traditional walk down the red carpet, children and adults alike filed into First Baptist Church of Wylie’s Event Center so the award show could officially begin.
And A Child Shall Lead
Chloe Barnes and Elizabeth McDermott were WAG’s first student-directors. The directors and cast showed their talent and maturity in this deeply moving play set in a Jewish concentration camp during World War II. Brigham Miller brought home the coveted Outstanding Performer Award, while Eli Kimbrel received Outstanding Crew Member. Riley Irvin and Kimberly Irby made WAG proud by winning the Courageous Performer and Rising Star awards. Elizabeth Barnard took home the well-deserved Standing O Award for her performance, while Jayci James and Brigham Miller were recognized for embodying The Waggie Way Award.
Annie Get Your Gun
Caren Herbst both directed and starred in this classic show. WAG’s very own Marc Taylor won Outstanding Performer for his humorous stage presence. Joanna Pakebusch was recognized as Outstanding Crew Member. Father and son duo Mark and Josiah Hotopp received the Courageous Performer and Rising Star awards. The talented and WAG veteran Grace Nicklas took home the Standing O Award, while Cade Sturgeon won the well-deserved Waggie Way Award.
Dracula
WAG couldn’t be more proud of Jeffrey Delaney who wrote, directed, and performed in his original adaptation of Bram Stoker’s gothic tale. One of the female leads, Kristyn Reeves, received her first Waggie Award, Outstanding Performer. Riley Irvin received his third award of the evening for Outstanding Crew Member. Mia Ford, who played lead and understudy in alternate shows, won Courageous Performer for her talent and dedication. Newcomers Jillian Herrera and John Wiseman took home the Rising Star and Standing O Awards for bringing their dazzling talents to their first WAG show. Graduating Senior and WAG alumni Jaron Harbison won The Waggie Way Award for his many years as a leader and role model in the WAG community.
Legend of Sammy’s Swamp
Melissa Harbison and Tiffany Harrod were the perfect ladies to bring this family favorite comedy to the WAG stage. WAG regular Josh Hargrove won Outstanding Performer and Maggie Smith won Outstanding Crew Member. Melanie Barton received Courageous Performer for her gothically comedic presence. Desi Brown won Rising Star for her awesome performance. Savannah Harrod’s comedic talents won her the Standing O Award, while Marissa Leraas took home The Waggie Way Award.
The Aliens are Coming!
Alan Smith directed this show that was out of this world! The talented Audrey Gregory took home the Outstanding Performer award, while the dedicated Savannah Jobe received Outstanding Crew Member. Courageous Performer went to Rose Maxey, while Rising Star went to Justin Coleman. Colton Smith won the Standing O Award for his performance. Chloe Ridenour was recognized for personifying WAG’s values and received The Waggie Way Award.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Friends Tiffany Harrod and Jason Sturgeon directed the show that got us in the holiday spirit. Bella Brown won the spirited Outstanding Performer award. Lucy Lively received Outstanding Crew Member, while Ty Vicknair took home Courageous Performer. Wesley Harrigan earned the Rising Star award for his performance, and Stanten Smith took home the Standing O Award. Finally, it was no surprise that WAG regular AnnaGrace Smith received The Waggie Way Award.
Mary Poppins
Fellow Board Members Tiffany Harrod and Nancy Whitney directed Disney’s classic Mary Poppins. Cade Sturgeon won Outstanding Performer for his colorful role as Bert. George Lannan received Outstanding Crew Member and Hayden Stewart took home Courageous Performer. The Rising Star Award went to Emily Goldie, and the Standing O Award went to Cici Craft. Grace Nicklas who played Mary Poppins received The Waggie Way Award; an award that would make Mary Poppins herself proud!
About Wylie Acting Group
In 2010, a community group with a strong desire to create, promote, and support theatre arts opportunities for the children of Wylie founded Wylie Acting Group for Children. Spearheaded by Del Thatcher, their purpose was to found a nonprofit children’s community theatre group. That first year, it was kind of a magic to watch volunteers work in partnership to make community theatre happen for the Children of Wylie.
In 2015, WAG debuted their first production with an all-adult cast and is now considered a family theatre, especially because the children’s productions require many volunteer hours from adults to be successful.
The magic of the first year continues thanks to hardworking, community serviced minded volunteers who give their time and talents because they believe strongly in the crucial contribution that theatre participation makes in communities.
Wylie Acting Group is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization.
The WAG theatre located at 205 Industrial Court, Suite 200B in Wylie, TX. For more information, visit wylieactinggroup.org.
Wylie Acting Group Presents A Season of Imagination
Wylie Acting Group is proud to announce details for the productions coming to the WAG stage during the 2020 season!
This season marks Wylie Acting Group’s 11th year and has been dubbed A Season of Imagination. With shows full of adventure, family, and the magic of the holidays, this year’s stories are sure to inspire the imagination of the entire family.
Knights of the Not-So-Round Table, Showing February 28, 29 & March 1, 6, 7
The 2020 season opens with an original story from WAG’s own Nancy Whitney. What do the knights of the round table do when King Arthur is feeling down? They create an elaborate scheme of hysterical events to help him see how valuable and loved he is! This funny story follows King Arthur as he travels the land solving problems and impacting the lives of his people as his knights try to show him how important he is in everyone’s life. Directed by the comedic duo Jason Sturgeon and Michelle Smith, this youth show will be fun for all ages.
The Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein, Showing June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13
Based on the fantastic 1974 spoof comedy film of the same name, this story introduces us to Frederick, the grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein (pronounced “Fronk-en-steen”) as he inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick, Igor (pronounced “Eye-gore”), and a leggy lab assistant, Inga (pronounced normally), Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors. “It’s alive!” he exclaims as he brings to life a creature to rival his grandfather’s. Eventually, of course, the monster escapes and hilarity continuously abounds. This show features an adult cast. Directed by the hilarious Jeff Delaney and Alan Smith.
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Showing July 31 & August 1, 2, 7, 8
Based on the classic film, this time-tested romantic comedy remains a story with a special, contemporary relevance. Saddle up for a joyride in this tale of stubborn men and cunning women. The men in question are Adam and his six unruly brothers, who think they know what a woman’s place is and how to keep her there. It takes Milly, Adam’s spirited new wife, and six other savvy women to show them who’s the boss. Featuring a cast of older youths and directed by Melissa Harbison and Nancy Whitney.
The Trials of Robin Hood, Showing September 18, 19, 20, 25, 26
Robin Hood: lusty hero, hopeless lover, or evil criminal? Upon his return from the Crusades, King Richard is forced to try and figure out what happened in his kingdom during his absence. Is the outlaw Robin Hood a hero, a lovelorn sap, or just plain mean? Told from the perspectives of Robin Hood, Maid Marian, and Prince John, this hilarious tale combines three different stories into one—and with three different endings,the audience gets to decide which one is true. A youth show directed by Joshua Hargrove and Jeff Delaney.
It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, Showing November 6, 7, 8, 13, 14
This beloved holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. Featuring a cast of adults and high school youths and directed by Michelle Smith and Melissa Harbison.
Elf: The Musical, Showing December 4, 5, 6, 11, 12
Based on the beloved holiday film that’s quickly become a modern classic, this show is a must-see. Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a hilarious, heart-warming journey to New York City to find his birth father. Featuring a youth cast and directed by Melissa Irvin and Tiffany Harrod.
About Wylie Acting Group
In 2010, a community group with a strong desire to create, promote, and support theatre arts opportunities for the children of Wylie founded Wylie Acting Group for Children. Spearheaded by Del Thatcher, their purpose was to found a nonprofit children’s community theatre group. That first year, it was a kind of magic to watch volunteers work in partnership to make community theatre happen for the children of Wylie.
In 2015, WAG debuted their first adult production and is now considered a family theatre, especially because the children’s productions require many volunteer hours from adults to be successful.
The magic of the first year continues thanks to hardworking, community service minded volunteers who give their time and talents because they believe strongly in the crucial contribution that theatre participation makes in communities.
Wylie Acting Group is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
The WAG theatre located at 205 Industrial Court, Suite 200B in Wylie, TX. For more information, visit wylieactinggroup.org.
Wylie Acting Group – A hidden gem for family entertainment just off downtown Wylie
By: Josh Hargrove, CFP® Published in Life Inspired Magazine, November 2019
Comedy pills. Take one to enhance your comedic abilities and wow all of your friends! That was the message of the commercial my friend and I made back in the sixth grade. It was theater class, and the assignment was to imagine, script, and perform a commercial “scene.” I’ll never forget my friend, Devarious, and I having so much fun creating and performing our skit. This was my introduction to the theatre arts, and though it involved the merchandizing of a performance enhancing drug, I’ve loved it ever since.
Naturally, I was enthusiastically in favor several years ago when my wife, Kelly, presented the idea of our oldest son auditioning for a play at a local theatre. Wylie Acting Group’s production of “The Adventures of The Fearsome Pirate Frank” caught my then ten-year-old son’s attention. He practiced his monologue for days, auditioned, and landed his first role. And, like his dad so many years before, he fell in love with the stage.
Our family has been involved with Wylie Acting Group (WAG) for several years now. Five of the six of us have performed in various productions, my wife has been vocal director for multiple shows, and I now sit as Vice President of the board. Needless to say, we’re big fans.
We love WAG not only for the opportunity it presents to local families, but for the accessibility that has been a part of its DNA since inception ten years ago. WAG is a non-profit, 100% volunteer-led organization. There are no audition fees, monthly tuition, or ticket sale quotas. Participants are asked to contribute a small portion to the production, meaning any kid, teen, or adult has the opportunity to be part of an amazing show!
And WAG shows are truly fantastic! The 120-seat auditorium located just off downtown Wylie is regularly filled with a sell-out audience, despite the six to seven performances of every WAG play. Shows range from hits like “Mary Poppins,” “Fiddler on The Roof,” and “The Little Mermaid” to lesser known, albeit wildly entertaining shows like “Night at the Wax Museum,” and “Miss Nelson is Missing.” All-adult cast shows compliment the repertoire with productions like “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Father of the Bride,” and the forthcoming production of “Dracula” this October.
Whether you come as a spectator or performer, Wylie Acting Group has something for your family. For a list of upcoming shows and audition notices, visit their website at www.WylieActingGroup.org. Make an upcoming show a fun evening out for the family or a fresh idea for a date night.
Remaining shows for the 2019 season include: Dracula, and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Auditions for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever are scheduled for Saturday, October 12. The 2020 season will be announced in late October
Wylie Acting Group Presents A Seussified Christmas Carol
November 9-17, 2018
Wylie Acting Group (WAG) concludes its 2018 season with a fanciful reimagining of Charles Dickens’ beloved Christmas classic. A SEUSSIFIED CHRISTMAS CAROL runs from November 9th to the 17th at the WAG theatre located at 205 Industrial Court, Suite 200B in Wylie, Texas.
Performances are at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with special 2 p.m. matinee performances on both Saturdays. Wylie Acting Group is proud to offer a sensory-friendly show at the Saturday, November 10th 2 p.m. performance. We’ll keep the lights up and the smells low, so that everyone can enjoy the show! Tickets are $10 for children, $12 for adults, and can be purchased at the theatre box office or by visiting wylieactinggroup.org.
Written by Peter Bloedel and a spoof of Charles Dickens’ masterpiece, A SEUSSIFIED CHRISTMAS CAROL brings Dr. Seuss style laughs to the stage and offers fun for the whole family. With zoot fruited juices and binka bird geese, from Bed-Headed Fred to Timmy Loo Hoo, this tale of glorious holiday cheer is told in wacky rhymed couplets. Colorful characters, goofy ghosts, and blue-haired narrators brighten up the story of Scrooge’s change of heart, bringing a zany twist to the important lessons found in Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
Directors Melissa Harbison and Michelle Smith, along with the talented cast and crew, are ecstatic to present WAG’s volunteer-run production of the cheerful, holiday play, A SEUSSIFIED CHRISTMAS CAROL.
About Wylie Acting Group
In 2010, a community group with a strong desire to create, promote, and support theatre arts opportunities for the children of Wylie founded Wylie Acting Group for Children. Spearheaded by Del Thatcher, their purpose was to found a nonprofit children’s community theatre group. That first year, it was a kind of magic to watch volunteers work in partnership to make community theatre happen for the children of Wylie.
In 2015, WAG debuted their first adult production and is now considered a family theatre, especially because the children’s productions require many volunteer hours from adults to be successful.
The magic of the first year continues thanks to hardworking, community service minded volunteers who give their time and talents because they believe strongly in the crucial contribution that theatre participation makes in communities.
Wylie Acting Group is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
September 25, 2018
Wylie Acting Group Presents Little Shop of Horrors
Performances on October 11-13, 2018
Wylie Acting Group (WAG) continues its 2018 season with an adult production of the award-winning musical LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Shows run from October 11th to 13th at the WAG theatre located at 205 Industrial Court, Suite 200B in Wylie, Texas.
Performances are at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with a special 2 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday. Tickets are $10 for children, $12 for adults, and can be purchased at the theatre box office or by visiting wylieactinggroup.org. Attendees with children should note that the musical is PG–13 and contains adult themes.
Written by Howard Ashman with music by Alan Menken and based on the 1960 cult classic film of the same name, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS debuted Off-Off-Broadway in 1982. The horror comedy rock musical eventually made its way to Broadway and London’s West End and has remained popular with audiences in America and the UK since then. The stage musical is also well-known for inspiring veteran puppeteer Frank Oz to direct the 1986 movie starring Rick Moranis. Alan Menken’s music matches the 1960 setting with a combination of rock ‘n’ roll, doo-wop, and early Motown. Fan-beloved songs include the catchy title tune, Skid Row (Downtown), Somewhere That’s Green, and Suddenly, Seymour.
In this campy musical, a meek floral shop assistant named Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a strange breed of plant he names Audrey II in honor of his quirky co-worker crush. Seymour nurtures the plant and welcomes the new customers it brings into the struggling shop, but he finds it ever more difficult to feed the plant what it needs – human blood!
Audrey II soon shows its true, foul-mouthed, R&B-singing, carnivorous ways, promising Seymour all the fame, fortune, and love he could ever want, so long as he keeps the blood coming. When Seymour discovers that Audrey II is intent on global domination, he must decide whether to sacrifice everything he’s ever wanted to save the world from the alien plant and all of its sinister spores.
Directors Jason Sturgeon and Nancy Whitney, along with the talented cast and crew, are delighted to present WAG’s volunteer-run production of the whacky, entertaining musical, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS.
About Wylie Acting Group
In 2010, a community group with a strong desire to create, promote, and support theatre arts opportunities for the children of Wylie founded Wylie Acting Group for Children. Spearheaded by Del Thatcher, their purpose was to found a nonprofit children’s community theatre group. That first year, it was a kind of magic to watch volunteers work in partnership to make community theatre happen for the children of Wylie.
In 2015, WAG debuted their first adult production and is now considered a family theatre, especially because the children’s productions require many volunteer hours from adults to be successful.
The magic continues year after year thanks to hardworking, community service minded volunteers who give their time and talents because they believe strongly in the crucial contribution that theatre participation makes in communities.
Wylie Acting Group is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
For more information, visit wylieactinggroup.org.
