BUTLER TWP — More than just a Steelers fan, Skylar Ruth, 15, of Butler Township is featured on the weekly McDonald Steelers KidZONE Show, a Steelers program that focuses on young fans.

The Butler Intermediate High School sophomore reports every morning in the TV studio on the Butler campus and on Tuesday evenings she finds herself taping KidZONE in downtown Pittsburgh during a jam-packed evening that starts with her arrival at 4:45 p.m.

“We arrive and there are snacks in the green room followed by hair and makeup at 5, and we meet with the producers at 5:30 then start taping our segments by 6 while the audience gathers.

“At 6:30 names are drawn for audience volunteers and the featured players arrive at 7 for their interviews.

“We play games with the kids for about a half hour then at 8:15 we meet the audience as they depart,” explained Ruth.

After meeting with the production staff, the Ruths head out for their one-hour drive home.

Skylar is in the Golden Tornado marching band, Thespians and all-school musical and participates with the Musical Theatre Guild and Butler Summer Dramatics.

She originally did the show audition for the experience, not thinking she'd get a callback.

“Auditions were held in three locations and kids came from all over Western Pennsylvania. We read lines in front of the cameras, sang, and we had to write and perform an interview,” she said.

Because she enjoys performing and loves the Steelers, the show is a perfect fit.

“Of course, meeting the players is one of the best things about it and participating in the games the kids do at the end of each show,” Skylar said.

“One week we made a bet with a player and the winners had to do the “Dougie” on camera with kids from the audience,” said Skylar.

There are challenges with every opportunity and time and memory come in to play for Skylar. She has to memorize the scripts that are e-mailed to her on Sundays.

“Remembering my lines is a lot of work, because there is no teleprompter and sometimes the hundreds of kids in the live audience can be very distracting,” she explained. She also has to squeeze in her homework around the weekly trek to Pittsburgh.

Ruth's parents, Calvin and Michele Ruth, are delighted by the opportunity for Skylar and willingly make whatever sacrifices needed.

“Being huge Steelers fans, we were ecstatic about the show, so we eagerly handle the transportation which is also homework time,” explained Michele Ruth. They travel to the show with Skylar's little sister, Landis, who is in fourth grade.

“If their homework is done by the time we reach Starbucks they both get their weekly treat. This also encourages Skylar to work with her sister so they both get done in time,” Michele Ruth explained.

Skylar's parents see the experience as positive and educational.

“She sees all of the technical aspects of filming a television show. She realizes how much time it takes to put together a 30-minute show,” Michele Ruth said.

“This has been such an eye-opener. Most people just see the finished product and don't realize how much work goes into it. We all strive to do the least amount of takes possible and it really takes a lot of concentration and focus,” said Skylar, who is quick to point out that it's all worth it.

“Everyone is very supportive, especially my close friends in TV studio at school. They love to tease me about it, but still always tune in,” said Skylar, who hopes some sort of broadcasting is in her future.

The McDonald Steelers KidZONE Show airs Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. on The Pittsburgh CW.<font face="ZapfDingbats">4</font> Show taping takes place Tuesdays at Heinz Field in the Great Hall.<font face="ZapfDingbats">4</font> Doors open at 5:30 p.m., show taping begins at 6:30 p.m.<font face="ZapfDingbats">4</font> Children under age 12 are admitted free, all others $5. Two shows are taped per night. Parking is available in lot Gold 1A.The show began airing Sept. 16 and continues through Dec. 30.