Vashon Repertory Theatre’s new youth theater program will soon bow with its debut production, the award-winning but sometimes searing musical “Next to Normal,” in eight performances running Aug. 7-10 and Aug. 14-17 at Vashon-Maury Grange Hall, at 10365 SW Cowan Rd.

The show, helmed by Vashon Rep’s education director, Meg Thompson, has been in the works for months, and its selection was overseen by Vashon Teen Visionary Ensemble, a youth-led group that came under the umbrella of Vashon Rep earlier this year.

“A key part of this vision is local youth having a voice,” said Thompson, who helped form the ensemble after she worked as a mentor for the vocal ensemble of the musical “Ride The Cyclone,” presented last spring at Vashon High School.

The program prioritizes youth development over th

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