ABOVE: Charlie Bucket (played by Max Coan) holds a golden ticket proudly, as his mother Mrs. Bucket (played by Natalie Flaherty) and Grandpa Joe (played by Malaki Byers) look on, during Willy Wonka Jr. rehearsal on Thursday afternoon. Performances will be at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 27, and at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, in the Performing Arts Center at Fairmont High School.

FAIRMONT — Grab a golden ticket for a local rendition of Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka Jr.” by Fairmont Area Community Theater (FACT)’s youth. The musical follows the adventures of the lively, mysterious factory-owner Willy Wonka, the chocolate factory and the five curious children who discovered golden tickets inside candy bars. The show’s curtains will open at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 27, and Saturday, June 28. Until $4 million is raised, the Fairmont Opera House (FOH) is closed to the public and the show will be held in the Performing Arts Center at Fairmont High School.

Approximately 50 children will perform in the musical and are participating in a two-week camp from Monday, June 16, to Thursday, June 26, at Fairmont High School. According to Director Megan Potthoff, both the children and production team have already made impressive progress and exceeded goals within the first five days of rehearsal.

“I have a team that I absolutely trust,” Potthoff said with a smile. “This is probably the most laid-back I’ve been for a show. Ever. And that’s because I knew I had my team that I could rely on. There’s been a lot of communication among everybody. Everybody’s in the loop pretty well.”

According to Potthoff, during the theater camp, actors build skills in set building, theatrical vocals, projection, posture, technical elements and confidence through various activities, tasks and practice days that focus on various areas of the show.

“They’ve been really great about being vulnerable, trying things on stage and being receptive to suggestions when we tell them something. It’s awesome.” Assistant Director Alyvia Anderson commented.

Additionally, the camp encourages children to build memories and friendships with their peers. Potthoff noted that each skill learned in camp is transferable, should the actors choose to pursue theater again or not.

“You can see [the children’s skills grow] too,” Anderson said. “They’re picking up things fast.”

Potthoff and Anderson have both been involved with FACT for a decade. Potthoff shared that when she began directing for FACT productions, she and her husband, Blake, were the only individuals operating the production team. As the cast has grown exponentially within the past 10 years, so has the crew, according to Potthoff.

“Children’s theater is absolutely my favorite thing to do. I love being a teacher, and I love being on stage. But, I have found a way bigger passion for helping kids discover and develop their love of theater as well,” said Potthoff. “I love sharing my love of theater with other kids who love it as much as I do.”

Anderson began FACT theater in third grade and Potthoff’s first production as director. The connections she has built in the FOH have prompted her to remain involved in its numerous programs. This year, Anderson is happy to have hands-on directing experience.

“This is my first show that I’ve been in, the bigger kids’ show, where I am on the director’s side. That’s been really fun, and I learned I get to call the show,” Anderson said. “I love theater. I haven’t done nearly as many shows as I’ve done in the high school years, as I have been at the opera house. In the opera house, I can have fun with the people that I love. And just the vibes in the opera house are good, too.”

Ticket sales for “Willy Wonka Jr.” are available and can be purchased at https://fairmontoperahouse.org/community-theater/. Ticket prices are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors, $12 for veterans and free for students. Presently, FACT seeks a spotlight operator and volunteers for both performances.