RAPID CITY, S.D. – Catalyst Theater Company is continuing its run of “Soft Target” by playwright Emily Kaczmarek, bringing a moving production featuring local talent to the Black Hills region.

The play originally premiered at Detroit Public Theatre in April 2025. Written by Kaczmarek, a playwright and former teacher, the script was not yet formally published when Catalyst producers first encountered it. Producers worked directly with Kaczmarek to secure permission to produce the play in Rapid City, giving local audiences a rare opportunity to experience the new work as it begins to find stages across the country.

The story centers on 9-year-old Amanda, a once happy and playful child who can now barely get out of bed. The audience learns the truth of her experiences through the perspective of her most trusted companions, her toys, as they struggle to understand what happened and help her heal.

The production marks a significant milestone for Catalyst Theater Company. Since opening in 2023, this is the company’s first production featuring young child actors. The role of Amanda is shared by two local middle-school girls, Adeline Briggs and Julia Tupa, who alternate performances.

Director Stephanie Schumacher described the play as some of the most emotionally challenging material she has ever directed.

“Soft Target invites audiences into an important conversation about grief, resilience, and the ways children make sense of the world,” Schumacher said. “It’s heartbreaking, but it’s also deeply compassionate.”

The cast also includes Jeffrey Alan Smith as Jonah, Dakota Crocker as Molly, Maddy Siekmann as Diary, Rodger Hartley as Bunny, Joanna Lawler as Jen, and Claire Linn as Natalie.

Audience response in Rapid City has been overwhelmingly positive, with particular praise for the playwright and the actors’ performances. While the production features child performers, it is not intended for young children, as it contains strong language and themes involving violence and PTSD.

Performances run through Sept. 12 at Catalyst Theater Company, located at 513 7th St. in Rapid City. Ticket information is available online.