Isiah Anderson Jr., the long-standing director of the Teen Summer Musical at Acts On Stage, recently appeared on The Day With Trae to discuss the upcoming production of Peter Pan: Ready to Rise.

The production of Peter Pan: Ready to Rise reflects the program’s rigorous approach to artistic development, which demands a professional work ethic from its participants. Anderson emphasized his "student-teacher" philosophy, which encourages youth to learn from professionals before taking the stage to teach their audience.

This year's adaptation of the classic tale is a deliberate response to the realities of 2026, reimagining the lore of Neverland to mirror modern systemic obstacles facing Black and brown youth. By transforming the narrative into a journey of global Black identity and self-discovery, Anderson and his creative team aim to inspire resilience.

The community is encouraged to support these efforts by attending the performances at McCaw Hall from August 28th through August 30th. Get your tickets today at actsonstage.com

Catch The Day With Trae Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11 a.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.