Local students and campus become stars on As The World Turns

By Cynthia Schmidt

New York, NY – The As The World Turns “Catch Us If You Can” bus tour rolled on to Virginia Commonwealth University’s campus to tape an episode of the Emmy award-winning CBS daytime drama on Sept. 23, 2002.  Shafer Court served as a backdrop for an episode featuring local students and residents that will air on Tuesday, Nov. 19.

About 20 VCU students and staff, shown here with cast members, participated in the episode production.

In the story, “Aaron Snyder” (Agim Kaba), his girlfriend “Lucy Montgomery” (Peyton List), and their friend “Alison Stewart” (Jessica Dunphy) hit the road after Aaron is falsely accused of setting a fire.  Determined to hide out until they can prove Aaron’s innocence, the three characters travel to ten college campuses hoping to elude both their parents and the law.

Local students making their television debut on As The World Turns include: 

·    Sean Hemeon plays “Max.”  Hemeon, who hails from Tysons Corner, VA, is a Theater major at Virginia Commonwealth University.

·    Theo Ellis plays a pizza delivery guy.  Ellis, a Richmond resident, is a Theater major at Virginia Commonwealth University.

·    T.J. Simmons plays “Carlton.”  Simmons, a Richmond resident, is at Virginia Commonwealth University.

·    Megan Gunning plays “Rachel.”  Gunning, a Baltimore, MD native, is pursuing her acting career full-time.

In addition, approximately 16 locals were hired as extras.  All students were selected by As the World Turns casting director Mary Clay Boland from approximately 350 students who turned out for an open casting call on Sept. 16.

“We are always seeking exciting new faces,” explained Boland.  “Getting out of the office to meet these young hopefuls was a rare opportunity.  I was extremely impressed with the talent we found at each school, and think our audience will enjoy watching them.” 

As The World Turns, a Procter & Gamble Production, airs on the CBS Television Network, WTVR-TV6 at 2 p.m. in Richmond.  When not touring the country in a bus, the show tapes in Brooklyn, NY.  Christopher Goutman is Executive Producer.  Hogan Sheffer is Headwriter.  Mary Alice Dwyer-Dobbin is Executive-in-Charge of Production.