Although they've been involved in several Aiken Community Playhouse productions, two teens are experiencing a different side of theater this summer.

"I've always wanted to direct," said Meredith Walker, a rising senior at Aiken High School who makes her directorial debut with the Garden Theater production of Rapunzel. Nolan Lacy, a rising senior at South Aiken High School, is the assistant director.

Meredith said she suggested Rapunzel to the Aiken Community Playhouse's play-selection committee for several reasons.

"This script is funny, and I think it is something adults would laugh at," she said.

This is not the usual fairy tale of Rapunzel. Yes, she's taken away by a witch as a baby, and she does grow up in a tower, but the similarities end there. This Rapunzel has a mind and will of her own.

Nolan said he has enjoyed the production from the director's chair and thinks he'll be a different actor the next time he's in a show.

"It will help me see why a director is getting angry," he said. "You visualize things in your head, and other people can't see it."

Rapunzel will be presented at three venues over three days. All of the shows are free.

Shows will be at 7 p.m. Monday, June 23, at the Nancy Carson Library in North Augusta; 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, at the Aiken County Library; and 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, at Hopelands Gardens. For more information, call (803) 648-1438.

Reach Charmain Z. Brackett at czbrackett@hotmail.com.