Carson L. McGill has been named the new youth theater coordinator at the Jewish Community Center, and his first production will be “The Lion King Jr.”

“Carson is a well-rounded theater professional with experience both on stage and off. He will be an asset to our program,” said Zelda Sparks, director of the J’s Cultural Arts Department. 

In addition to his professional credits, Carson also has served as director, choreographer, stage manager and designer. He was executive children’s director at Center on the Square Performing Arts Theatre in his hometown of Searcy, Ark.

Carson is also connected to the J as a Camp Sabra staff member. He served as a Golan counselor for two years (grades 3-5), and most recently as Almagor Unit Head (grades 6-7).  

On stage, some of Carson’s favorite performances include Joseph in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” Marius in “Les Misérables,” and Timon in “The Lion King.”

His role in The Lion King will have prepared him well for his first production at the J, “The Lion King Jr.”  

An audition workshop is scheduled for Jan. 15 at the J’s Staenberg Family Complex, 2 Millstone Campus Drive, and auditions will be held Jan. 22 for May performances. The Youth Theatre program at the J casts all children who audition. For more information, email [email protected] or call 314-442-3239.