Fox Valley Repertory reveals ‘Secret Life of Girls’

Cliques. Secrets. Bullying. Rumors.

They can be found in many settings, but especially in junior high and high school.

Fox Valley Repertory Academy’s “The Secret Life of Girls” will offer insights into the ups and downs of teenage life. Performances are set for 2 p.m. Saturday, May 21, and 5 p.m. Sunday, May 22, on the Pheasant Run main stage, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles.

Performers are local teens who are students at the academy.

While tickets are free, performers are hoping to raise $5 per attendee in support of the FVR Performing Arts Academy’s scholarship fund to help those who are financially unable to partake in the academy’s offering of classes, camps and workshops.

In “The Secret Life of Girls,” the dramatization of teen girl angst will take center stage, offering an insight into the destructive world of girls’ bullying. Bullying takes the form of gossiping, keeping secrets, name-calling, spreading rumors and clinging to cliques. When faced with the consequences of their actions, the girls ultimately resolve to change their behaviors.

Based upon interviews with girls on the giving and receiving end of bullying, the play highlights the impact of “cyberbullying.”

“‘The Secret Life of Girls’ is a powerful and important play,” said Tracy Whiteside of St. Charles, who is directing the production. “I love that this show challenges the cast as performers, as well as forces them to take a look at why people behave the way they do and the repercussions of an individual’s actions. This, of course, impacts the audience as well.

“I encourage all young girls and their families to see this and begin a dialogue at home.”

Kendall Becker, 15, of Geneva plays the part of Abby.

“This will be my third show at Fox Valley Repertory. I really enjoy working on this production. This is an important topic and I’m glad I can be involved with it.”

The FVR students and director hope this showcase will help raise awareness on the effects of bullying, as well as start conversations in homes, schools and communities.

After the Sunday, May 22, performance of “The Secret Life of Girls,” Marie Newman and Jacqui DiMarco, co-authors of “When Your Child Is Being Bullied: Real Solutions for Families, Educators and Other Professionals,” will speak to the audience about solutions for stopping a child’s torment and breaking the bullying cycle, including real solutions that actually work, bullying myths, tips how children can best defend themselves against bullying and discourage repeat attacks and how parents can work with educators to stop a bully from hurting children.

Visit solutionsforbullying.com for free resources designed to help parents stop their child’s torment and get beyond it, back to happiness.

Cast members include Maegan Daniels, Katie Jackovin, Jesse Kennelly, Bartlett; Larissa Catalano, Campton Hills; Kara Hamilton, Elgin; Kendall Becker, Geneva; Melissa Wickland, Schaumburg; Kayleigh Aleck, Natalie Hilvert, Juliana Horn, Griffin Johnson, Amanda Sallmann, St. Charles; Haylee Sippel, Wheaton.

“On a lighter note, this summer we are doing a teen version of ‘Noises Off’ for ages 13 to 19,” Whiteside said. “Auditions are from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 4, and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 8. We’re always looking for new local youth to join our programs.”

The Fox Valley Repertory Performing Arts Academy offers classes and camps for ages 3-19.

For more information, visitfoxvalleyrep.org/education or call (630) 364-0550.

If you go

What: Fox Valley Repertory Academy’s “The Secret Life of Girls,” featuring local teens in a production offering insights into the ups and downs of high school life

When: 2 p.m. Saturday, May 21 and 5 p.m. Sunday, May 22

Where: Pheasant Run main stage, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles

How much? Free, although a $5 donation is accepted

Details: foxvalleyrep.org or (630) 443-0438