Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Arts And Youth Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Youth drama group Casting Company seeks local support after growth in classes and audience
Summary
Casting Company Drama Group Inc. told the City of Perry council it has grown attendance and classes since 2019, reported $21,852 in local tourism spending for Dec. 2024–Dec. 2025, and requested the council's recognition and continued community support.
Tanya Benziger, artistic managing director of Casting Company Drama Group Inc., told the City of Perry council on Jan. 13 that the nonprofit youth theater group founded in 2019 has expanded programming and community impact and asked the council to recognize the group’s work.
"My name is Tanya Benziger, and I'm the artistic managing director of Casting Company Drama Group Incorporated," Benziger said, describing the group's mission to provide "wholesome and entertaining" theatrical productions and to offer classes after local school drama programs were reduced. Benziger said the group organized educational classes and outreach and formed a 501(c)(3) to sustain local productions.
Group leaders and students presented participation and economic data: they reported 555 local and 88 non‑local ticket buyers between December 2024 and December 2025 and said the group's shows contributed $21,852 to Taylor County annual tourism spending during that period. Program leaders described a 211% increase in class enrollment over two years (from 9 in 2023 to 28 in 2025) and a 92% increase in summer‑camp participation (from 13 in 2022 to 25 in the most recent season).
Several students and alumni offered brief testimonials about the personal and community benefits of participation. Student Gracie Turnmeier said being with the group "helped me grow both on stage and behind the scenes" and gave her responsibilities as a prop master. Another participant, Jessa Pritson, said the program boosted her confidence and helped her find a passion for performance.
Benziger asked the council to become familiar with the group as it continues to grow and to support opportunities that keep young artists engaged in Taylor County. The presenters requested time for a photo with council members after their introduction.
Next steps: Casting Company leaders said they will continue producing seasonal terms and summer camp and seek ongoing community partnerships and visibility to sustain growth.
