Young Cast Members At Fox Valley Rep Collect Donations for Local Wildlife

The classic tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs brings to mind images of the infamous seven dwarfs, their tiny cottage and Snow White's many forest animal friends. Who can forget her cheerful bluebird companions, lively squirrels and deer trying to alert the dwarfs when she was in danger? A group of 6 to 9 year-old performers decided to use their time in the spotlight to help local wildlife in the Fox Valley Area.

The cast of FVR Performing Arts Academy's Spring Musical will be performing an hour-long adaptation of the classic tale Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs on the Pheasant Run Resort's Mainstage. Along with preparing for the show, the kids are collecting donations of household items needed to provide care to orphaned and injured wildlife at the Fox Valley Wildlife Center (FVWC) in Elburn IL.

"I love animals, just like Snow White, so I am so happy we are going to help animals in our area," said cast member Kristen Das of St. Charles.

Fellow cast member Emma Tallitsch shares her motivation for choosing FVWC, "I think Snow White would be happy!"

Since January 2009, the FVWC has provided care to over 1530 animals. The FVWC is a state and federally licensed, private, not-for-profit organization, and is the only wildlife rehabilitation center in Kane County. They provide hospital care for wild animals that have been negatively impacted by people in some way. The goal is to release the animals back into the wild after rehabilitation.

"One time, Fox Valley Wildlife Center helped us with a baby bird we found," said cast member Katie Das, 8, of St. Charles. "I am excited to be able to help them take care of more baby animals this spring."

Admission to the performance is free, but the cast will be accepting donations of paper towels, unsalted nuts (shelled or unshelled), unflavored Pedialyte, unscented detergent or bleach, and Kleenex. Donations will be collected at the shows and transported to the center by members of the cast and their families. Additionally, as a non-profit organization, the FVR Academy accepts cash donations in lieu of admission to provide scholarships to local children who would not otherwise be able to participate in their programs.

Education Manager Tracy Whiteside has been teaching and directing kids at FVR since 2006. "I am delighted to be directing such an amazing cast of talented young actors. It is very rewarding to see them grow as individuals and performers. This experience allows young people to develop a great work ethic, learn to work as a team, and build confidence. I am so very proud of their dedication, and I know audiences will be impressed with the final product," says Tracy.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will be presented Monday, March 7 at 6:30pm; Saturday, March 12 at 5:30pm; and Sunday, March 13 at 11:00am and 5:30pm on the Pheasant Run Resort Mainstage. Admission is free.

Snow White cast members include from St Charles: Katie Das, Kristen Das, Keira Denker, Gianna DePaul, Kathryn Dybas, Allison Haab, Rachel Haab, Emily Johns, Bethany Paris, Melina Paris, Eva Saltsman, Emma Tallitsch, Geneva: Caitlin Cook, Kaia Ebel, Erin Hurley, Ella Kobylecky, Jessica Lamplough, North Aurora: Rece Komorn, Sydney Poss, South Elgin: Robert Keldani, Camille Lamkin, Batavia: Caden Bohmer, Bartlett: Dylan Lainez, Elgin: Krystine Swanson, and Hanover Park: Hayley Troyan.

The Fox Valley Repertory Performing Arts Academy features some of the Chicago area's most respected teachers, directors, actors and musicians. Classes are available for ages 3-19. For more information, visit www.foxvalleyrep.org/education or call 630-364-0550.

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, and is sponsored in part by Kane County Chronicle.

Ample free parking and valet services are available at Pheasant Run Resort, located at 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL.

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