Website design By BotEap.comThere I sat in the last row of a dark theater. The energy flowing through the room was quite papal and filled me with much anticipation. As the curtain opened and the stage lights danced across the colorful sets, a group of talented young actors took the stage with the fervor of seasoned professionals! I was immersed in what can only be described as a kind of movement, a revolution if you will of a new and highly polished children’s musical theatre.

Website design By BotEap.comIt was only the third day of a ten-day technical rehearsal with the cast and crew, and after the first few musical numbers and scenes, he spoke from the dark with such a commanding presence that I knew he had to be the director of the show. Trevor Weaver.

Website design By BotEap.comI had heard so much wonderful praise for Trevor Weaver’s work at Children’s Theatre, but never realized the level of professionalism he was able to elicit from so many students ranging in age from 6 to 17.

Website design By BotEap.comTrevor began his own career at the ripe age of six months on the hit 1960 television series, Adam 12. He would later work on many popular television shows and commercials, including Eight Is Enough, Little House on The Praire, Kid’s Incorporated, and 21 Jump St.

Website design By BotEap.comTrevor left his lucrative Hollywood career to live in the Bay Area in 1997 and it is here that he formed his acting school, Kids Take The Stage. When he and I had the pleasure of meeting, he had produced over a hundred productions in Alameda, San Ramón, and Fremont and had worked with over 5,000 students. I immediately realized why he had been able to create such a valuable organization and empower so many Bay Area children.

Website design By BotEap.comSadly, in 2010, the company Trevor had worked for for over a decade was forced to close days before a huge summer show was due to open. It was one of the most heartbreaking decisions of Trevor’s illustrious career and one that hurt him to have had to make.

Website design By BotEap.comGiving negative press about the company closure, Trevor granted only one journalist the opportunity to interview him and I was honored when he shared these words with me. “No one will ever understand the immense pain, sadness and difficulty it has been to close a show days before opening with so many young actors crushed by not being able to perform. I tried very hard to keep the doors open with donations from my own pocket. The problems they were too deep and came too fast for us to do anything else, but let’s close our doors.I thank all the wonderful parents, students, and staff I have worked with over the past two decades and pray for nothing but wonderful things for you. future!”

Website design By BotEap.comAfter some time off from soul searching, Trevor is now doing what he does best, which is writing and directing. He is currently the CEO of Play and Depth and continues to be a guiding light to a new group of children and adults alike.

Website design By BotEap.comThis journalist thanks him for all he gave to the Bay Area children’s theater scene and will be missed more than he will ever know.