Paige Productions Youth Theater (PYT) recently announced its upcoming fall production of “Mean Girls Jr.” Enrollment is now open for students ages 5 –18.

This fall, Paige Productions hopes to break new ground by offering double casting for the first time, a model widely used by youth theaters across the country to create more opportunities for young performers.

According to a press release, if 60 students are enrolled by Oct. 3, the program will split into two casts, one rehearsing on Mondays and the other on Sundays, with each cast presenting its own full production in December.

Students will be able to request their preferred cast, whether based on scheduling convenience or the chance to take on more lines and roles.

Oct. 3 is the unofficial holiday known as “Mean Girls Day,” stemming from an iconic moment in the original 2004 film when Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan) famously remarks, “On October 3rd, he asked me what day it was.”

“As a mom and a former performer, I know how exciting it is to have lines or leads and I want to create as many chances as possible for these kids. Breaking into a Monday cast and a Sunday cast would create that for our kids,” said Paige Beckman, owner and artistic director of Paige Productions. “We always rotate opportunities so no single student dominates every lead, but a double cast would give us the chance to open even more doors.”

Much like Paige Productions’ past hit, “High School Musical,” “Mean Girls Jr.” features a modern setting, pop-inspired music, high-energy dancing, cheerleaders, students and even rapping roles.

The production will bring together students not only from Fountain Hills but also from Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Mesa, Phoenix and other communities across the Valley. The program’s limited rehearsal format makes participation possible for busy families, with just 10 rehearsals before opening night. Each cast will present two full performances in December.

 “Mean Girls Jr.” has been adapted by Music Theatre International for youth theater. The script is clean, family-friendly and full of humor and heart.

Though the title emphasizes girls, the show also includes excellent parts for boys, ensuring a balanced and inclusive opportunity for all participants.

Detailed rehearsal schedule and additional information available at PaigeProductionsAZ.com.

All Paige Productions camps, classes, events and performances are held at 13001 N. Fountain Hills Blvd.