By Kiara Doyal
The Seattle Medium
For years, Acts On Stage’s Teen Summer Musical has introduced generations of young people, particularly youth of color, to the world of theater while helping them build confidence, discipline and leadership. This summer, the Seattle nonprofit continues that tradition with its production of Peter Pan, featuring three young Black performers in the show’s leading roles.
Founded by Michelle Lang-Raymond and Isiah Anderson Jr., Acts On Stage has spent more than four decades expanding opportunities for artists of color throughout the Pacific Northwest. The nonprofit is dedicated to changing lives through performances that inspire and elevate while using the arts as a vehicle for leadership, community engagement and social change.
The Teen Summer Musical is one of the organization’s signature programs, offering youth ages 9 to 18 a 10-week introduction to theater through workshops, rehearsals and live performances. Guided by Acts On Stage’s Discipline, Confidence and Motivation Program for the Arts framework, participants develop acting, singing and dancing skills while building the self-confidence, self-discipline and motivation needed to succeed both on and off the stage.
Each summer, the program reimagines a classic production through a contemporary, culturally relevant lens, allowing young performers to make timeless stories their own. Recent productions have included The Wiz, Snow Whyte & The Seven and Dream!. This year’s production continues that tradition with Peter Pan.
Taking center stage this summer are 18-year-old Nickari Lomax as Peter Pan, 17-year-old Jamie Michelle Charles as Wendy Darling and 17-year-old Gemarius McClain as Captain Hook. While each performer brings a unique perspective to the production, all three share a common goal of inspiring other young people of color to see themselves on stage and believe they can pursue their own dreams.
“I hope when people of color come see the show they gain the confidence to be able to do anything that they put their mind to,” said Lomax. “I hope they take away, ‘Oh, I can definitely do that,’ or at least try. Stepping out of your comfort zone like that will have an impact that will help a lot.”
Charles hopes young Black audience members leave the theater knowing there is space for them in the performing arts.
“You will get to see people that look like you doing things that you probably thought you were never able to do,” said Charles. “You can because you are Black. My color doesn’t stop me from being where I am today, and that only makes me want to strive to be better.”
McClain believes seeing young performers of color in leading roles can encourage others to pursue opportunities they may not have considered before.
“I hope people of color will realize that they do have opportunities to do this stuff,” said McClain. “Anyone and everyone can do theater, and I hope with this show they can look at it as, ‘I can also be part of something great as well, despite my skin color.’”
For all three performers, the Teen Summer Musical has become about much more than preparing for a production. It has become a place where they have developed confidence, discovered new strengths and built lasting friendships, reflecting the very mission Acts On Stage was created to fulfill.
Lomax first joined Acts On Stage at age 15 after appearing in smaller productions in Tacoma. Since then, he has returned each summer, crediting the program with helping him grow both as a performer and as a young adult.
“I grew to sing better, to act more, and to come out of my shell,” said Lomax. “The most enjoyable part is definitely socializing with everyone; they’re like a second family to me.”
Charles has spent the past five summers with the Teen Summer Musical and said the sense of community keeps bringing her back year after year.
“I’m drawn every year to keep coming back,” said Charles. “I enjoy getting to see new and returning talented young performers and getting to share the stage and make memories with everyone.”
McClain, who began by creating his own short films and performing in school productions, said working alongside experienced directors has helped him become a more disciplined and patient actor.
“The director wants a specific thing, and I try my best to put that into what I’m doing,” said McClain. “Acts On Stage has helped me get better as an actor and become more patient.”
While the program has helped them grow personally and artistically, stepping into iconic characters has challenged each performer in different ways.
For Lomax, portraying Peter Pan has meant carefully navigating the character’s emotional journey throughout the production.
“The most exciting part is definitely playing this character because I can resemble him a lot,” said Lomax. “The most challenging part is emotion-wise because he has no emotions at the beginning. I have been trying to learn where I should put the emotion, especially with the songs, and I’m happy that I’m making progress in that.”
For McClain, bringing Captain Hook to life requires balancing the character’s commanding presence with the humor audiences expect from one of theater’s most recognizable villains.
“You kind of have to have the mindset of, ‘Since I’m the captain, I run this ship,’” said McClain. “I have to set that presence toward my group of pirates. It’s just the mindset that gets you into that intimidating mode.”
As the cast prepares to bring Peter Pan to audiences, the performers hope the production leaves an impact that extends well beyond the final curtain. Whether inspiring another young actor to audition for the first time or encouraging someone to step outside their comfort zone, they believe the Teen Summer Musical continues to open doors for the next generation of performers.
For Charles, the program’s greatest gift is the sense of belonging it creates.
“We are a family,” said Charles. “As soon as you step through the doors, any worries that you had before, they just vanish. It just shows you that you have a community at Acts On Stage, and that’s the most anyone could ask for.”Final
