“The Odyssey Experience,” October 12 through 20

Saturday, October 12, through Sunday, October 20

Davenport Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Avenue, Davenport IA

Boasting a cast of 24 students ages 10–18, and led by the company's artistic director Ashley Becher, The Odyssey Experience serves as the first mainstage production of Davenport Junior Theatre's 2024-25 season, its October 12 through 20 run treating audiences of all ages to an interactive, 60-minute delight adapted from Homer’s epic The Odyssey.

In The Odyssey Experience, audiences will go on a wild adventure with the famed warrior Odysseus, King of Ithaca, in a completely interactive production. This innovative experience welcomes the audience to be a part of the play as they are transported back to the time of the Trojan War as this participatory style of theatrical storytelling, “experiential theatre,” will take Quad Citians in the audience on a journey unlike any they’ve traveled before.

“I’m so excited for audiences to experience this interactive style of theatre," says director Becher. "The show brings the audience into the action and relies on their participation to tell the story. I knew this different style of theatre would be a challenge, but the cast and crew have really risen to the occasion! The show is fresh, yet melds with the origins of theatre, building on the traditions of ancient Greece. We hope this show will inspire creative storytelling to continue at home!”

Student Kennan Baldridge shares, “Working on this show has been really special for me. I have been hoping for an opportunity to try out an improv based style of theatre, and where better to experiment than at my second home, DJT!” She is also excited for the audience interaction, adding, “I look forward to sharing this inspiring tale and watching how the delivery of the story changes with each performance.”

Bonnie Sloat, president of the Junior Theatre, Inc. board of directors, hopes people will use this as an opportunity to visit Junior Theatre and be reminded of why it's such a unique community asset. "Junior Theatre has been in the news a lot lately as we face a major transition. The community has been so supportive and vocal in their love for Junior Theatre, and it has meant a lot. We hope that this show – like all of our mainstage productions – can give families the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful afternoon of high quality live theatre!"

The Odyssey Experience is the first of three productions making up Season 73. Davenport Junior Theatre's work is made possible by generous community partners and individual donors. This project is supported by Quad City Arts re-granting program Arts Dollars, supported by the Illinois Arts Council Agency, the Hubbell-Waterman Foundation, and the Quad Cities Community Foundation - Isabel Bloom Art Education Endowment. Additional support is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Iowa Arts Council, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Tech and accessibility assistance was made possible by funds contributed by the Scott County Regional Authority. Culver’s of Bettendorf is a Junior Theatre Season 73 sponsor.

The Odyssey Experience runs October 12 through 20, with performances on Saturdays at 1 and 4 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Admission is free, with donations encouraged, and more information is available by calling (563)326-7862 and visiting DavenportJuniorTheatre.org.