Fine Arts
Disney’s Descendants
With great anticipation and enthusiasm, FPD Director of Fine Arts, Dr. Andrew Strickland introduced a new concept at FPD this year – an elementary and middle school musical. “While I have directed almost 150 theatre productions, I have never previously directed a full scale musical with elementary and middle school students only,” he recalled. “I was excited about the opportunity but also concerned. Musicals require a large amount of work. I hoped we could not only put together a great show but have fun while doing it. What I discovered was that my cast was ready to work hard and found fun in everything!” In May, FPD fourth through eighth graders presented Disney’s Descendants: The Musical, showcasing the strong talents in FPD’s upper elementary and middle school. FPD seventh grader Megan Casey performed as Mal, the daughter of Maleficent. She fondly remembers the cast as one big family. “I loved getting to know the elementary cast,” she said, “I enjoyed how enthusiastic they were about this production. This was an incredible experience. I have grown in my friendships with my castmates and become a better performer.” FPD eighth grader Ella Washburn played Evie, the daughter of the Evil Queen. She agreed with Megan, “Having a cast which consists solely of elementary and middle school students has been incredible; however, it has also been a learning experience. This was our first musical without high schoolers to lead us. The older cast members have had to take on a role of leadership that we haven’t had in previous shows.” Looking toward next year, Dr. Strickland is pleased to be able to bring back the beloved spring musical with middle and high school students. However, when asked if he would consider a musical for fourth through eighth graders again, he resoundingly said “Yes!” “I definitely would!” exclaimed Dr. Strickland. “It would not be a yearly thing, but this was a huge success that should be explored again!”
