DANVILLE - The cast and crew of Red Mask's newest children's production already see themselves on the Broadway stage or in a Hollywood movie.

Why not? There's a track record of successful performers from our area that makes these dreams seem possible.

Red Mask's Children's Theater presents "Incantation: The Frog Prince Fairy Tale" next week. Performances on Monday through Friday afternoons are reserved for a dozen area schools, but the general public may see the play Friday and May 15 at the Kathryn Randolph Theater.

By now, we all know that you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you meet the handsome prince. The young people involved in this play are learning more life lessons than that.

Co-director Jami Curtis was overwhelmed when 53 aspiring actors auditioned for a production with only 12 parts.

"To utilize all this talent, a decision was made to turn 'Incantation' into a learning workshop," Curtis said.

The result was student directors who run rehearsals, students operating lights and sound, students responsible for set and props, and students in charge of costumes and make-up.

With the guidance of dedicated parent volunteers, many children who were not cast in the play will be an integral part of the performances.

"They are learning every aspect of theater," Curtis said. "There's more to being involved in a play than being onstage. There's backstage, too."

Ken Cooper, a South View Middle School eighth-grader, designed the set. Although Cooper doesn't take art classes, he's proud of the intricate detail that he painted on the trees and vines around the castle.

"I came up with the pond myself," he added. "I imagined the Frog Prince sitting in the middle of it."

Becoming an actor, though, is Cooper's dream.

It's a dream shared by Kailee Graves, in charge of make-up and costumes but preparing for a career on stage.

"I take acting classes and I've auditioned for films," Graves said.

The members of the cast and crew have appeared in school productions, Red Mask Children's Theater and Danville Light Opera. They all agree that meeting new people is the highlight of these experiences.

Bismarck-Henning seventh-grade twins Kyle and Jordan Yerman appear as the frog and the prince in "Incantation." They each have been in at least eight plays since third grade, and love being onstage.

Jordan said, "I still feel nervous for the first couple of shows."

"It's good to be nervous," Kyle said. "It makes you want to do better."

Both want to be actors.

"If that doesn't work out," Jordan said, "I'll be a CPA."

Kyle agreed, saying, "No matter what, we'll stay together."

Another student will provide musical accompaniment for the play. A special platform has been built to accommodate Lauren Hous and her keyboard. This North Ridge sixth-grader will play both classical and rock 'n roll music during the performance.

"This is a first for Red Mask," Lauren said proudly.

"Incantation: The Frog Prince Fairy Tale" will be presented at 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. May 15 at the Kathryn Randolph Theater. All tickets are $3 and may be purchased by calling 442-5858. Tickets will also be available at the box office before each performance.