Kaleidoscope Crown, a new play that tells a story of self-discovery and is rooted in the art and traditions of the African diaspora, premieres at COCA next month, April 11–13. This story follows a young girl on her journey to discover who she really is and learn to love what makes her unique. Kaleidoscope Crown proudly features an all-Black cast and creative team comprised of three professional adult actors and seven COCA Pre-Professional Division artists.
We are thrilled to introduce you to two of our incredibly talented cast members, Jailyn Genyse and Peyton Webster. Hear from Jailyn and Peyton about their roles and the creative process for this new work!
Jailyn Genyse
Professional Actor & COCA Teaching Artist
Tell us about your role of Mother and what you enjoy most about your character.
Jailyn: Mother is a strong and resilient character. As the leader of the village, she is forced to uphold the traditions that have been instilled into the culture through many generations. Even though Mother is presented with a great deal of challenges throughout the show, both within her family and in the village, I admire how strong-willed she is. Despite the chaos going on around her, she still manages to keep her public image intact.
What does it mean to you to be cast in this production and work alongside the COCA team and young artists?
Jailyn: COCA has had a special place in my artistic journey for the last three years. As a St. Louis transplant, all the artists at COCA have done a tremendous job of welcoming me into the community as one of their own. I not only get to work with a bunch of familiar faces that I’ve either acted alongside in previous productions or taught from time to time in class, I also get to work with new people who are equally as amazing!
What do you hope young artists will learn from working with you in this production?
Jailyn: I hope the young artists will gain a better appreciation for the craft and the process. I remember doing theatre at a young age, and all I could think about was getting on the stage and showing everyone what I could do. Now that I am older, I have so much respect for the rehearsal process and all of the work that the actors and designers put into a production. I also hope that I can be an example of proper rehearsal etiquette.
What themes or message does Kaleidoscope Crown convey to the audience?
Jailyn: After viewing this show, the audience should be able to take away the importance of change and appreciate our differences. Humans evolve, and sometimes what worked in the past doesn’t always apply to the present…and that’s okay! There are also strong themes of family and generational differences present in the show that I believe many people will be able to relate to.
What has been your favorite part of the creative process so far?
Jailyn: Rehearsals have only just begun, but my favorite part of the creative process is being in the room with our beautiful director, Alicia Revé Like. She is an extremely talented unicorn that I have admired since my first production at COCA, and I am grateful to be under her direction for this fantastic story!
Peyton Webster
COCA Pre-Professional Artist
Tell us about your role of Nia and what you enjoy most about your character.
Peyton: Nia is a young girl who suddenly goes through a shocking change that gives her color-changing hair that corresponds with her emotions. As Nia lives in a small village that values traditions and unity, she finds it hard to conceal her new change, knowing it would disrupt the peace in the village.
What I most enjoy about Nia is her ability to sift through complex emotions and find inner peace with herself. I think that those are very admirable skills for her to have at such a young age and it highlights her emotional intelligence.
What does it mean to you to be cast in this production and work alongside this cast and creative team?
Peyton: It means so much to me to be cast in this production, and I am so grateful to get to work with so many amazing people both in the cast and on the creative team. I have been at COCA for around nine years now, so I am lucky to get to work with faces and people that I have seen before and also friends that I’ve been in classes or other shows with. I think the people and the positive environment just make the experience that much more enjoyable.
Why is it important for young artists to have opportunities to collaborate with professional artists?
Peyton: I think it’s important for young artists to have the chance to work with professional artists because it gives them real-world experience and helps them improve their work. There is so much knowledge that young artists can gain from just watching a professional artist, let alone collaborating with them and getting feedback and guidance with their work.
What themes or message does Kaleidoscope Crown convey to the audience?
Peyton: Kaleidoscope Crown has so many messages and themes within it, the show explores family dynamics as well as the importance of individuality in group and community spaces. There are so many things that audience members could take with them from this show as it is full of relatability. But overall Kaleidoscope Crown challenges its audience members to dig deeper within themselves and find the confidence to be different.
What has been your favorite part of the creative process so far/most looking forward to?
Peyton: I think all the actors will say during a show process there is one moment that makes it feel like ‘Wow this is happening.’ That part of the creative process for me is when the cast can get on the stage for the first time. When that happens, I think it solidifies in my mind not only that the show is happening but what a big opportunity it is and how impactful the story becomes
About Jailyn Genyse
Jailyn is thrilled to be returning to COCA for this amazing production. Previously at COCA: The Color Purple as Shug Avery, SIX: Teen Edition as Assistant Director/Assistant Choreographer, Pippin and Matilda as Ensemble. Regional Theatre: Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (Athena as Mary Wallace, Stellaluna as Stellaluna, It’s A Wonderful Life as Stage Manager, Puss in Boots as Princess/Ogre Servant, and A Christmas Carol as Ghost Dancer/Fred’s Sister-in-Law). Local Theatre: An Unlikely Hero as Jordan (Metro Theater Company) and The Game’s A Foot (St. Louis Shakespeare Festival). Jailyn graduated with a BFA in Acting from the Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts. @JailynGenyse
About Peyton Webster
Peyton is very excited to be a part of Kaleidoscope Crown at COCA. Peyton is a 15-year-old local young actor and student and is a member of the COCAwrites and Allegro Senior companies, which are a part of COCA’s Pre-Professional Division. Peyton attends Principia High School, where she continues to receive honors for academics. In her free time, Peyton is usually found at COCA or finding something else to keep her busy.