Epiphany Homeschool Theatre Academy, a new theater program for homeschool students in central Pennsylvania, will present "Radium Girls" as its debut production at the Trust Performing Arts Center, 37 N. Market St., Lancaster. Show dates and times are Thursday and Friday, Nov. 9 and 10, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 11, at 2 and 7 p.m.

"Radium Girls," written by D.W. Gregory, is based on the true story of female laborers who were poisoned and killed by their factory's radium-based paint from 1918 to the 1940s. "Radium Girls" traces the efforts of the workers as they fought for their day in court. The play's themes include the pursuit of both health and wealth, the power of the underdog and the injustices that laborers in America have faced.

Cast members and the school district where they reside are Giselle Bartlett and Carter Wighaman, Hempfield; Maria Freeman, School District of Lancaster; Larisa Horst, Elizabethtown; Landon and Ryan Hunsicker, Cumberland Valley; MaryKate Kenny, Lower Dauphin; Emily and Luke Norcott, Donegal; Coden, Brylan and Mylee Tortolano, Red Lion; Abigail Young, Solanco; and Felicity and Mercy Younts, Susquenita.

Cast members include middle-schoolers and high-school students who first learned of the play when it was performed at Lampeter-Strasburg (L-S) High School.

"Our kids wanted to tackle something with substance," said Tammy Bartlett, one of the founding members of Epiphany Homeschool Theatre Academy, when explaining how the play was chosen. "One of the girls had a friend who was in 'Radium' at L-S, and she thought the show was great. I spoke to the kids, and they were very excited. They wanted something that would be challenging and have a powerful message. Many of these kids are 'actor's actors,' and they wanted to delve into character and emotion."

Bartlett noted that the venue is not a traditional stage but a black box theater, which is a more intimate performing space. "That is a very unique experience for students because normally they perform on a stage in an auditorium," Bartlett noted. "Most kids do not have the experience of performing in a black box theater, and it's a very intimate show. (The audience is) up close."

The homeschool theater group formed in August and is currently rehearsing at The Middletown Home and at Lancaster Bible College (LBC). LBC theater students have partnered with the theater group, and LBC student Allyson Hunsicker has taken on the role of co-director.

According to its mission statement, the group was created for homeschooled students and their families "who desire a high-quality theater experience without having to compromise their Christian beliefs and values."

"We want to put on shows that are wholesome not only for the kids but the community and to provide quality opportunities for these homeschooled kids," Bartlett noted.

For tickets and for more information, visit https://epiphanyonstage.com. A link to order tickets as well as cast biographies are available by searching for "Epiphany Homeschool Theatre Academy" on Facebook. Tickets will also be sold at the door. The play is best suited for people age 10 and up.