With a cast of players ranging from age 7 to 18, “Bugsy Malone Jr.” is in rehearsals for the Corn Stock for Kids’ run Sept. 25-28.

“Some of them have been performing for several years — sometimes doing as many as three shows a year,” says director Brian Seagraves, who’s directed youth productions at ART Inc. and also has performed at Corn Stock (“The Wizard of Oz”) and Peoria Players (including “Jekyll and Hyde” and “Footloose”).

There are a few difficulties but plenty of rewards, Seagraves says.

“When you’re working with kids during Back-To-School season, scheduling is always a challenge,” he says. “Some of the kids in the show also take voice and dance lessons, so we have to schedule rehearsals around those classes. It’s great to have kids that are working to better their craft, but it definitely presents challenges to a rehearsal schedule.”

As the young actors prepare, there may be moments of anxiety — and breakthroughs.

“One of the biggest challenges is helping those children who want to do theater but are shy or just new to performing find their voice,” Seagraves says. “When they do, it is amazing.

“As a youth theater director, I absolutely love watching young performers find and improve their talents. Watching them shine on that stage is a major source of joy for me.”

“Bugsy Malone Jr.” is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. shows Sept. 25-26 and 2:30 p.m. matinees Sept. 27-28. For details, phone Corn Stock (309) 676-2196.