On television, David Henrie plays the role of teen wizard Justin Russo on the Disney Channel’s “Wizards of Waverly Place.” He and his two siblings Alex and Max use their special powers for everything from household chores to playing tricks on each other. Henrie is working magic in his real life, too. His career includes roles on shows such as “How I Met Your Mother,” “That’s so Raven,” “House” and “Providence.” He has also started his own production company, YUTE Productions. Add his upcoming appearance at Saturday’s Peoria Rivermen game and you have a pretty packed schedule. But the 20-year-old Arizona native still found time to speak with Cue after a day of shooting “Wizards” in Hollywood. – Danielle Hatch

How is “Wizards of Waverly Place” going?

We’re in our third season. A big thing that happened to me this year is I got to write on the show. I wrote my own episode, and we shot that a couple of weeks ago. That was pretty big for me. They haven’t set a release date, but I would imagine it will air in the next month or two. I know they’re almost done editing it right now.

Is this the first time you’ve gotten to write?

Professionally, yeah. I’ve been writing for a long time and shooting stuff with my buddies, but professionally, it was the first time.

Did you feel a lot of pressure since it was your first professional gig?

Yeah, of course. It was very stressful, but this is something I’ve always wanted to do, so I fought through it, and it all worked out.

What kinds of projects have you worked on with your friends?

Well, I have my own production company, I’m going to be writing and producing feature films. And there’s a new media side to that production company. I’m currently developing a Web series that I’m either going to star in or hire people to star in, and I’m going to be running the show almost. People can visit youtube.com/yutetv to see our projects.

Tell me more about your production company. When did you start it?

I started it about a year ago. It’s called YUTE Productions. In “My Cousin Vinny,” Joe Pesci said, “I got a couple of yutes here.” He said it with a New York accent, but it really means “youths.” So that’s why it’s spelled YUTE. It’s looking like my first feature after “Wizards” will be produced through my production company. I’ve been involved in rewrites of the script, it’s in development now. And we’re working on having a social network designed right now. I’ll be writing and possibly directing a full-blown Web series.

What’s your long-term goal?

All different sides – I want to act, I want to direct, I want to write. I want to be like a Vince Vaughn or a (Steven) Spielberg.

How did you get your start in acting?

I started working when I was about 9. I grew up in Arizona, I have a big Italian family so I have a boisterous personality, and I liked to keep them entertained and joke around. I’m a little bit of a prankster, so naturally I fit right into acting. I came out here (to California) and started auditioning for things. I was very social and not afraid to talk to people. And the ball just started rolling from there, I started booking things more and more. I’ve been working steadily since 9.

What would your dream project be, and who would you like to work with?

If I could work with Daniel Day Lewis, or Jeff Bridges, or Robert Downey Jr., I would love to do something like that. Growing up, my favorite movies – since I’m Sicilian – were mafia movies like “The Godfather.”

I read that you’re a pretty big movie buff. With awards season coming up, what are some films you’ve seen this year that deserve recognition?

“Crazy Heart” was really, really good. The movie that I laughed at the most was “The Hangover.” It was absolutely hilarious. “Up in the Air” was really good, too. The one that I think should take home all the awards is “Crazy Heart” – the soundtrack, too. Jeff Bridges is absolutely amazing, he portrays such an interesting character, and he does it so well and so relatable that you can’t help but see his life story through his eyes. And just someone who’s been through high points and low points is always an intriguing watch.

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David Henrie will appear at the Peoria Rivermen game against the Rockford IceHogs on Saturday. The game starts at 7:30 p.m., and Henrie will sign autographs from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the main concourse. Tickets are $20 for lower bowl, $15 for upper bowl at the box office, Rivermen.net or by calling Ticketmaster at 676-8700.