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“In towns and cities... there is no more important institution than the local paper.”
Warren Buffett
March 17, 2025
LA MIRADA, CA. — The oppressive demands to be physically perfect and the obsessive way young people often pursue it are leading millions of teenagers towards dangerous “solutions.”
But if even those who seemingly have everything at their disposal struggle with their view of themselves, what’s the common teen to do?
On April 3, Phantom Projects Theatre Group will continue its crusade of offering perspective and support through original theatre productions when it presents Through These Eyes at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. Since the production is underwritten by generous funding from the City of La Mirada, tickets are FREE for all Middle and High School students. Forbes described Phantom Projects’ TEENS ON TOUR Productions (Phantom’s format of using teens, theatre, and discussion): “It isn’t children’s theatre. It is powerful theatre aimed at one of the hardest audiences to reach.”
The production doesn’t feature “actors,” rather it stars a cast of young performers from 12-21 who will not only perform the 1-hour drama, but will facilitate a post-show discussion about the sensitive topics. The cast, assembled based on their own connections to the stories and themes, will bring their personal stories of both triumph and struggle, to help those in the audience cope with the ever-mounting pressures of adolescence.
“One issue we have, is a parent’s hesitation to bring their teen to a show like this…because they think there isn’t an issue. In reality, teens aren’t going to their parents first, but often, last. It’s incredibly important that audiences of this show are hearing from young people who are dealing with the same issues they are. To get a group of professional adult actors on stage takes away the connection that is created when you have actual teens, so we have young people who are in fact incredibly talented, but more importantly are on that stage because of what they can bring to the unscripted portion: the post show Q and A”, said Steve Cisneros, Phantom Projects’ co-founder and Producing Artistic Director.
Although the theatrical portion is written by author and former High School Teacher Bruce Gevirtzman and is directed by Steve Cisneros, much of the content is inspired and based on true stories of teens. Performances are on April 3 at 9:30am ($10/ticket for schools/field trips) and are FREE for the 7pm performance. Tickets are now available by calling 714 994 6310 or 562-944-9801 or going online to www.PhantomProjects.com/Eyes
“How teens perceive their self-image is central to their behavior,” added Cisneros, “Secondary school students today often graduate with a negative image of themselves that began with a feeling of inadequacy because of how they see themselves. Through These Eyes is designed to help teen audiences have a healthier view of who they are and who they can become. It is drama based on real life.”
Much of the dialogue reflects the kinds of comments young people routinely make to each other in conversation or online. They indicate an overwhelming importance placed on how their looks are the key to success in relationships, careers and happiness in general.
The cast of young performers range in ages from 12-21 and all come from Los Angeles and Orange Counties: Bailey Sedona DeWolf as Emma , Paulina Contois as Jackie, Kathryn Buser as Sara, Anabelle Skye Green as Sienna, Pedro Coelho as Rafa, Jude Jones as Dylan, Lucas Odou as Donny, Lyra Paez as Maura, Faith Kim as Eliana and an Ensemble featuring: Allayna Mei, Toni Monroe, Sofia Lopez, Miles Peters, Aubree Lara, Skye Ochoa, Jhillian Preciado, Madalyn Hudson. Natalie Baserga, Noah Cortez, Olivia Cortes, Alexis Gonzalez, Mandy Puga, Faith Graham and Nalani Michaels.
Each year, Phantom Projects Theatre Group mounts a season of plays at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts as well as at their home venue, The Phantom Projects Theatre at LA Habra Depot, and touring productions to schools in Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
Tickets to Through These Eyes are available by calling 714-994-6310 or 562-944-9801 or going online to www.PhantomProjects.com/Eyes. Tickets prices for the 9:30am performance are
$10, and for the 7 p.m. performance, tickets are free for middle and high school students and start at $25 for adults. For additional information call 714-690-2900, go online to www.PhantomProjects.com.
For more information on the National Eating Disorders Association, visit: www.nationaleatingdisorders.org.