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Schools

Whiz Kid: Parkway Central Senior Shines as Theater Leader

Julia Levine leads peers with passion and sense of common purpose.

This week’s Patch Whiz Kid is Julia Levine, a senior at . Julia is deeply involved in the school's theater department. She is the stage manager for the school's upcoming show, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.

Julia Levine isn’t just a theater student, she is a model of the dedication required to truly master the theatric craft. 

Nicole Voss, Parkway Central's theatre department chairwoman, said Julia was well-rounded, passionate about theater and a role model for her peers. Julia is the first student to be named scenic designer.

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“The artistic challenge is my passion and the sense of community is what drew me into the theatre arts as a middle school student,” Julia said.

Inspired and encouraged by the sense of group purpose, Julia’s role in theatre production has grown from acting in Death of a Salesman to being named as the first student scenic designer. She has also worked as lead carpenter and co-stage production manager. Levine was chosen as the production stage manager for the school’s upcoming show, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, which will be developed as a musical. “Julia has a sense of responsibility that is uncommon and she is highly creative,” Voss said.

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Julia welcomes the artistic and technical challenges of serving as stage manager. “I’m responsible for all technical aspects of the play,” she said. The set, scenery construction, lighting and sound are part of the stage manager’s job. “Sometimes it’s hectic but I love being involved in the show from beginning to end.”

The frenetic pace of a production doesn’t seem to fluster Levine. “She’s always ten steps ahead of me,” Voss said. “Our 2009 play, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, was a challenge. But Julia managed three projection operators, two light/sound people and called the show without missing a beat. I trust her and know with confidence that she has it all under control."

Julia plans to continue her education in theater. She is considering Butler University in Indianapolis. “Theater allows me to create another world and I hope to continue that into college,” Levine said.

Julia is the daughter of David and Janice Levine. Her brother, Ben, is a freshman at Parkway Central.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels opens Feb. 24 and runs through Feb. 27 at Parkway Central. Tickets can be purchased by contacting the box office at 314-415-5944.

Know a great kid who made Eagle Scout? Or did your local soccer team take the championship? They may be our next Patch Whiz Kids honoree.

Each week, Chesterfield Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens, and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid. Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to rachel.heaton@patch.com. Be sure to include all of the following information:

  • Nominator's Name
  • Nominator's E-Mail
  • Whiz Kid's Name
  • Whiz Kid's Age
  • Whiz Kid's School
  • Whiz Kid's Accomplishment
  • Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness (what made him/her successful?)

We'll contact you if your nominee is selected. For questions, e-mail rachel.heaton@patch.com.

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