Teens are behind the scenes for ‘Willy Wonka Jr’ in Sunnyvale

Production also features a youthful cast.

Sunnyvale Community Players’ production of “Willy Wonka Jr” is set to open July 14 thanks to the efforts of not only its young cast but of a group of teens who helped behind the scenes.

The teens enrolled in the Players’ mentorship program learned the ins and outs of set, costume and lighting design and other aspects of theater production while helping get the musical, based on Roald Dahl’s classic book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” on its feet.

Korinna “Coco” Dunn assisted director Emily Profitt, while Liv Do assisted vocal director Miguel Armendariz.

Scenic and set designer Dutch Fritz had two teen mentees, Wren Iswandhi and Matine Nejad. Wren, who designed sets, handled publicity and played Auntie Em in their high school’s production of “The Wizard of Oz,” said working on “Wonka” deepened their love for the technical side of theater.

“Wonka” marks the eighth show that Rose Ginsberg, who is assisting costume designer Diana Savastio, has worked on behind the scenes and her first show with the Players. She has worked in stage management and lighting but says costuming has always been her favorite. Outside of the theater, Rose tries to pick up other hobbies such as crochet, baking and dressing up as Batman for school events.

Other teens behind the scenes are assistant lighting designer Eli Jones and assistant stage managers Adriana Hokk, Jiesselle Taganas and Lucas Li.

“Willy Wonka Jr.” runs Fridays-Sundays, July 14-23 at Sunnyvale Community Theatre, 550 E. Remington Drive. Tickets are $20-$25 at www.sunnyvaleplayers.org or 408-475-1198.