Augusta, GA

Augusta Junior Players performing ‘Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief’

Published

10 months ago

June 7, 2025

Augusta Junior Players performing ‘Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief’

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – It’s a musical that many of us can relate to, the journey of finding yourself and the struggles that come with mental health.

The Augusta Junior Players last performance of the season is “Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief.”

We sat down with the director and some of the cast members before they take the stage.

It’s rehearsal time at the Augusta Players new home.

The Augusta Junior Players are gearing up for Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief.

“So if you don’t know the story, the series, or the movie, there’s something for everyone. I think our parents will identify with it as well as our younger audience members,” said Roy Lewis, director.

Lewis says it’s a new twist on Greek mythology, with Percy Jackson on a mission.

“Percy, who struggles with dyslexia and ADHD, and he struggles to find his identity, and so the story is beautiful in that respect,” said Lewis.

The cast is full of different personalities.

Ella Jane Anderson is the antagonist, Clarise.

“She’s just very big and angsty, and always looking for a fight,” said Anderson.

This is a role that Anderson says is outside her comfort zone, but she’s taking it head-on.

“I’ve never had to work with a weapon before. And now all of a sudden, I’m practicing with a sword. It’s crazy, I’ve never had to do combat before. All of a sudden, it’s like, fight with someone, fight with a spear. I’m like…okay,” said Anderson.

There’s also some comic relief.

That’s where Braylen Fergerson comes in, playing the role of Grover.

“Overall, he’s just a very fun character, and it’s actually one of my dream roles, so it’s been exciting playing him,” said Ferguson.

When the cast bows and the curtain closes, the Augusta Junior Players hope you leave feeling empowered.

“It’s okay to be different, it’s okay to struggle with some things because eventually you’re going to find out on your quest where you belong and who you belong to,” said Lewis.

Graduates at Academy of Richmond County and Davidson Fine Arts walk across stage on Wednesday.

The performance is June 13 at 7 p.m., and June 14 with showings at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

You can get your tickets by going to https://augustaplayers.org/buy-tickets/.

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Augusta, GA

Local group holds 4th annual walk against autism

Published

3 hours ago

March 29, 2026

Press Room

Local group holds 4th annual walk against autism

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – April is Autism Awareness Month, and one local group raised awareness with a walk in Augusta on Sunday.

The fourth annual autism walk was hosted by Moving Over Mountains Against autism at Lake Olmstead Park.

All proceeds from the walk support autism awareness initiatives.

We spoke with the CEO and founder of the group, Deidre Roberson, who said this year they are dedicating the walk to their photographer, who died recently.

Roberson told us what she looks forward to the most.

“I look most forward to seeing the different people every year. We always meet different people, new people, and they come from all over the CSRA, so Washington, Wilkes, Carolina,” she said.

There were also several vendors providing resources to families.

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Augusta, GA

From Augusta roots to Nighthawks leader: Nolan Belcher comes home

Published

15 hours ago

March 29, 2026

Press Room

From Augusta roots to Nighthawks leader: Nolan Belcher comes home

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF)- Augusta University baseball is in a three-game series matchup against the University of North Georgia.

AU is currently down in the series 0-2 after a close loss Friday and a loss Saturday.

But we aren’t focusing on the Jags, we’re going to take a look at North Georgia’s head coach, Nolan Belcher.

He is an Augusta native who began his career at Greenbrier and Augusta Christian.

He won three state championships, which then led him to play for the South Carolina Gamecocks.

There he won back-to-back national championships and finished runner up in 2012.

His coaching career began after that where he eventually joined the Peach belt Confrence, coaching at USCA and GCSU.

Now in his first season as head coach for the Nighthawks, he is happy to come home and coach in front of his friends and family.

“I’m very fortunate that I got family that, one is still around and they can come watch me do what I love. And, they’ve shown me, nothing but support throughout my whole coaching career and even back on my playing dates are very thankful and appreciative for everything they’ve done for me.”

AU and UNG will have their final series match on Sunday.

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