Profile: Pioneer senior Connor Casey is ready to act and inspire in PTG’s production of ‘Into the Woods’   

Connor Casey is a veteran of the stage. The Pioneer senior has acted both locally and with the “Finding Neverland” National Broadway Tour, and he loves wherever and whenever he gets the chance to perform on stage.

“I enjoy theatre because it’s a very non-judgmental, creative atmosphere where everyone can be who they want to be and enjoy making art and inspiring others,” says Connor, who began enjoying theatre way back in first grade. “I went to see a show with my class, and decided I wanted to be one of the actors up on the stage. I was in a local production, and have been doing it ever since.”

A decade later, Connor will be playing the Baker in Pioneer Theatre Guild’s production of “Into the Woods.”

The story follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results.

“It’s been really exciting,” Connor says. “The directing staff, stage managers, crew, and cast are all incredibly kind and talented people who are truly a gift to work with.”

This will be his first time on the stage in the newly renovated Schreiber Auditorium.

“I’m so unbelievably excited about returning to Schreiber because I feel like Schreiber Auditorium has always been a legendary space in PTG history and I’ve never really gotten to be a part of that before this year,” he says. “I can’t wait to finally leave my mark on the new and improved space!”

Some of Connor’s favorite productions that he has been a part of have included “Finding Neverland,” with the National Broadway Tour (Peter/Jack/George); “Into the Wild,” world premiere at The Encore Theatre (Young Chris); “Mary Poppins,” at The Encore Theatre (Michael Banks); and “Big Fish,” at the MUSKET (Young Will).

“My theatre highlight is definitely traveling around the country on the National Tour of ‘Finding Neverland,’” says Connor. “It was an amazing experience, and I really enjoyed traveling and seeing new places, getting to meet and inspire many people with my art, and growing in my artistry and skill throughout that experience.”

Connor says the PTG is “really special” for many reasons.

“They offer so many opportunities for students to engage in live theatre throughout the year and we do two amazing mainstage musicals, a straight play, and the awesome spectacle that is FutureStars each year,” he says. “PTG’s abundance of opportunities for students to perform is really unique and makes for a great experience. It’s also just a great environment for making art, with an amazing group of people on stage and behind the scenes who never fail to make a really impressive finished product every show.”

Connor, 16, is the son of Stephanie and Jim Casey. He has 3.99 GPA and has been quite busy during his high school “run.” Outside of theater, he is a captain on the track and field team, a member of choir and the business manager of an extracurricular Acapella group. He also is a member of the Pioneer peer mediation team, and the treasurer for Pioneer’s Model UN club.

“Right now, I’m very interested in going into a scientific field like Conservation Biology to help conserve and protect our biodiversity for the future,” he said. “I’m not completely sure where I want to go to college, but there are a couple places I’m applying to that I’m really excited about! I would like to keep doing theater in the future because I enjoy it a lot.”

Any advice for someone starting out in theatre?

“The best advice I can give to someone considering getting involved in theatre is to unequivocally be yourself and enjoy theatre without letting other people make you feel embarrassed or ashamed of it,” he says. “Theatre is a great way to express yourself, and if you enjoy it you should go for it regardless of what other people may think (and you’d be surprised how many people enjoy theatre!). You just might surprise yourself and others with how much you enjoy and excel at it.”

Pioneer Theatre Guild’s production of “Into the Woods”

Tickets

$15 Students/65+ Seniors/Pioneer Staff

$20 Adults

$75 Opening Night Gala Ticket and Premium Seating*

Reserved Seating Tickets are available and on sale Wednesday, October 12th at www.showtix4u.com/events/ptg

*For more information, visit: HERE

Performance Dates:

Friday, November 4, 7:30 pm

Saturday, November 5, 7:30 pm

Sunday, November 6, 2:00 pm (matinee)

Friday, November 11, 7:30 pm

Sunday, November 13, 2:00 pm (matinee)