Fast & furious theater

COEUR d'ALENE - For 18-year-old David Yake, Thursday night's audition for Christian Youth Theater North Idaho's "Play in a Day" marked the beginning of his last hurrah performing with the organization.

Yake just began the pre-veterinary program at Carroll College in Helena, and although he is passionate about theater, he told The Press Thursday that he does not have time to commit to a traditional drama production. That is why he has participated in three of the five annual Play in a Day events.

"For me it's my big chance to act and do a musical every year," Yake said. "For a lot of others, it's their big chance to perform too. All you need is a day."

Yake was one of 121 youths between the ages of 10 and 18 who signed up to audition on Thursday night for this year's performance of "Hansel and Gretel." The event serves as a fundraiser for Christian Youth Theater North Idaho, a nonprofit organization that produces three musicals a year at the Kroc Community Theater.

The North Idaho branch of the national organization is the only one to put on the fundraiser. It's the brainchild of Josh Rocco, who approached the board five years ago with the idea for the event.

Rocco's involvement with Christian Youth Theater has been what he calls a "slow progression," beginning when he performed with the group in high school and over the years transitioning into teaching and directing. Now Rocco runs his own production company, Chill Bucket, but directs the Play in a Day show every year.

"It's (Christian Youth Theater) a program that instills confidence in kids and lets them become what they want to become through the many facets of theater," Rocco said. "Kids are able to come out of their shell and socialize."

Trying to put together an entire performance in a 24-hour time frame comes with a unique set of challenges. The biggest of which, according to Rocco, is lining up all of the details of a play - from casting and choreography to wardrobe and sets - so quickly.

"We are taking what is normally a four-month process and condensing it down," Rocco said. "No one involved can have an ego; there's no room or time for that. Not going to lie, it requires a lot of patience."

Rocco provided patience and passion during Thursday's audition period. Groups of 15 children auditioned at a time, with Rocco and other volunteers directing them through a song and dance.

At 7:30 p.m., a cast list was posted at the Kroc Center.

"And that's when the 24-hour period really begins," Rocco said.

After a brief meeting with the actors, volunteers worked through the night preparing the set. The cast will be back at the stage at 7 a.m. today to begin a long day of rehearsal and preparation before the performance begins at 7:30 p.m.

"This is really fun for us," said Bliss Lanier, executive director of Christian Youth Theater North Idaho. "Every year we have kids coming up to us telling us how much they love that we do this."

Pre-sale tickets for tonight's performance of "Hansel and Gretel" at the Kroc Center are available for $10 at the Kroc Theater or online at chillbucketproductions.com. In order to receive the discounted pre-sale price, tickets must be purchased before noon.

Tickets will then be available for $15 at the door one hour prior to the 7:30 performance.