THOMASVILLE—Thomas County Central is off to Neverland in its rendition of Peter Pan Jr., which will be performed at the Thomasville Center for the Arts on Thursday and Friday evening.

After years of experience, Casey Dyksterhouse is making her debut with the TCC drama program with the assistance of Kimsey Hodge.

The duo have known each other for nearly 15 years with Dyksterhouse teaching both of Hodge’s children, but now have come together to create an epic show for middle and high school students that they know audiences will appreciate.

“We are trying to reignite the theater program and get more kids involved in theater in the class, as well as in the production,” Dyksterhouse said.

So far, their efforts have paid off, with 42 students in the show, doubling last year’s cast size.

“We have quite a few middle schoolers in this year’s show,” Dyksterhouse explained. “We are trying to get them excited about it at a younger age, so when they get to high school they will take the classes.”

The growth of the cast, while welcomed, also provided a new challenge for the program, which had to move to a larger stage at the Thomasville Center for the Arts.

However, the larger stage gave way to new opportunities as well. Dyksterhouse and Hodge invited Christina Sellars of Rose City Performing Arts to choreograph for the show, something which had not been done in the past, along with Emily Hart, formerly associated with Troupe, to direct the music. The cast welcomed the opportunity to learn more and try their hand at a new skill.

A full display of talent will be seen on stage when the curtains open on Thursday night.

Dyksterhouse shared Peter Pan Jr. was her choice, as the show allowed for a larger cast to be involved, as the program works to revamp itself.

Hodge was also excited to be part of the production as she helped with TOSAC’s rendition of Peter Pan Jr.

However, seeing it through the eyes of Dyksterhouse has been exciting, as Hodge said she has modified original ideas to make the show an elevated, innovative performance.

“It’s like a brand new show,” Hodge said. “I’ve absolutely loved it.”

Initially weary, the drama students thought it might be portrayed as a kid’s show, but they soon learned the show has many moving parts, including a mechanical crocodile and numerous action scenes.

“Throughout the rehearsal, they have really embraced it and I think they are having fun,” Dyksterhouse said. “After all, teenagers are just big kids and they love the dancing.”

The cast is truly “just big kids,” with Dyksterhouse sharing that the show only has two seniors, one of which is appearing for the first time on stage.

“It’s exciting though, because that means the program will continue to grow,” she said.

Dyksterhouse said she has already seen growth from the students and hopes next year she will continue to see more students find their confidence and voice on stage.

“I would love to see the kids that are involved in this bring that back next year and bring new kids with them,” she said. “I don’t know if we will do another production this big next year, but the whole idea is to get kids involved in theater.”

Dyksterhouse noted this wouldn’t be possible without the support of Thomas County Schools Superintendent Dr. Lisa Williams, who has put a renewed emphasis on theater and the arts, encouraging students of all backgrounds to find their passion, wherever it may lie.

“She has been super supportive of me and the kids and this program,” she said.

To see the revitalized program in full swing, join Peter, Wendy, and all the lost boys on Thursday and Friday night at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for students and $12 for adults. Tickets can be purchased off Gofan or at the door.