A WORLD OF PURE IMAGINATION

from Good News Magazine - Summer 2023

GSPO Building Community

Elizabeth Schmitt, English & Theater Teacher

In one of my favorite films, “Shakespeare in Love,” the theatrical manager, Philip Henslowe, describes putting on a production as, “...one of insurmountable obstacles on the road to imminent disaster” that ultimately “...turns out well.” is 95% of the battle for any production. Students were given the choice to audition or work behind the scenes. In an attempt to identify whose vocal range and personality would be best for each role, Mrs. Grant taught a short song to those auditioning. It takes a lot of confidence to sing in front of an audience, especially one made up of your peers. The audition process allowed us to hear students individually and fully consider which roles would best suit their singing range, their ability to incorporate a character voice, and their desire for a leading or supporting part. A short scene involving multiple characters allowed us to see how flexible students could be in a variety of roles, and more crucially, how well they took direction. While several students had some experience dancing, singing, or acting, for the majority of our eighth grade students, this was their first full-length musical performance. Making sure everyone knew basic theater terminology – stage left from stage right, which way was upstage as opposed to down, and how to “cheat out” – these skills had to be demonstrated and learned quickly. This musical also needed a strong performer for the title role of Willy Wonka, and we were blessed to have Alex, a student with years of acting and singing experience (who is headed to Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts) play the role. Alex quickly learned the music, dialogue, and choreography, serving as a leader for the company.

When asked by someone unfamiliar with the process how that happens, his response is simply, "I don't know. It's a mystery." In approaching any directing assignment involving students, that final phrase reminds me that everything will be okay on the day of the performance.

For the second year in a row, three of our fine arts teachers, along with our educational technologist, collaborated to produce our eighth grade musical, “Willy Wonka, Jr.” Allow me to share how those four teachers directed, guided, and coached 59 students to sing, dance, build sets, create props, design lighting, and get in touch with their inner Oompa Loompa, all in 21 class periods (not counting auditions). The annual production is not only an opportunity for our students to shine creatively, but also a capstone project that embodies Good Shepherd’s mission to learn, serve, and lead.

During casting, Ms. Foster (middle school art) and Ms. Melle (educational technologist) divided backstage responsibilities. These jobs ranged from constructing large set pieces, to building props, to designing and testing makeup, lights, sound, and visual projection. Ms. Foster’s students took on specific design tasks. One of the show’s signature pieces, the pink candy boat, was constructed primarily out of old boxes by eighth grade students Harry and Anthony. Upon completion, the boat measured over 15 feet. Meanwhile Sara, another student involved in the production, pieced and sewed together a quilt top blanket for the grandparents’ bed. Without a backstage area or stage wings for storage, every rehearsal the design team had to move much of the set between classroom and stage. Thankfully, however, shortly before the performance date, we were able to acquire two pipe and drape stands. These simple poles and curtains allowed us to create backstage areas on stage left and stage right, while keeping actors and crew hidden from view.

Ms. Melle joined our production team to supervise the use of Kincaid Pavilion’s new audio/visual equipment, installed as part of the 2021-22 Lights, Camera, Action Annual Campaign. “The tech team was amazing,” she stated. “A few of the students had worked on the lights/soundboard earlier in the year for a smaller production, but most were new to the team and jumped right in.” Since the school had just purchased a brand new, complex system with many advanced features, this was a learning experience for all. None of them skipped a beat. “I was especially impressed with both Levi and Winston’s ability to figure the technology out so quickly. Levi worked earnestly to make sure all of the mics were set and ready to go before each rehearsal and performance - including the complicated task of EQ’ing them for each individual actor. Winston created some amazing lighting scenes - most notably the one for the infamous boat ride scene - I think it really surprised and impressed everyone! Jay’s initiative in creating individualized video wall scenes really added to the backdrop of the show and helped to make the audience feel like they were immersed in the action. It was a lot of fun watching these students truly excel in their areas of interest. They did an amazing job and I am so proud of them.”

The rehearsal process is a time for the cast to cohere, try ideas, and find moments to shine. One such moment came after blocking a duet between Charlie and his father, “Think Positive.” It needed something. Eloise, who played Mrs. Bucket, was one of the show’s three student choreographers. She volunteered to work with Kendall (Charlie) and Holden (Mr. Bucket) during WIN time. Eloise created one of the production’s memorable moments in the father-son number complete with a kickline to guaranteed applause.

Small touches can also make a huge impact. Ahan, as Augustus Gloop, relished using padding under his costume to help make his character both obnoxious and hilarious, while Lauren, as Mrs. Gloop, transformed with a last minute addition of a pair of designer sunglasses for our evening performance. That one accessory suddenly defined her character. I also try to add something personal to each show I direct. This time it was a pair of steampunk goggles for Willy Wonka (Alex) that belonged to my daughter. My classroom cart was also transformed into the candy cart used by the Candy Man (Dean) with the aid of purple glitter spray paint and lots of cardboard candy. These items help me leave my mark on a production (and I have a sparkly purple cart!).

A milestone for any show is the start of dress and technical rehearsals. It’s like the flipping of a switch for the company. Before our first audience, which happened to be the Lower School, we had one rehearsal to coordinate lights, microphones, set changes by crew members, projections on the big screen, and entrances/exits off the Kincaid stage. I compare the process to planning a military invasion without the benefit of the map and toy soldiers.

Theatre also has its rituals. Before each performance, the entire company meets in Mrs. Grant’s room for circle, essentially the traditional pre-show pep talk. We all hold hands, the teachers say some “wise” words, a student leads a prayer, a final huddle moment of hands in, “theater tribe on three!” and then it’s time for places. At that point, the show is in the students’ hands; the adults are there only as a safety net. Our stage manager, Will, had “the book” - a binder with all the stage and tech cues. Being a stage manager requires knowing where everything is supposed to be and when it is supposed to be there, the ability to command the respect of peers, and to problem solve on the fly. As both a student-athlete and House Leader, Will was an excellent stage manager, encapsulating all of those qualities.

With all of Lower School in attendance, the crew poised for the first set change, the actors in our makeshift wings, Alex stepped on stage as Wonka with the spotlight focused on him (thank you, Henry!). As he sang the opening words, the audience was transported to a world of “pure imagination.” From the applause and laughter, we could feel the cast (and crew) become more energized. After this performance, Lower School students had the opportunity to take pictures with the cast while they were still in costume. This was especially fun for their third grade Community Buddies.

After the adrenaline rush of the initial performance, it was time to clean up and get ready to do it all again that Friday…twice! Set pieces needed to be repaired, problem areas worked through, makeup brushes cleaned, and the art room transformed back into a working classroom.

The true test of a company is how they react when one or more of those “obstacles on the road” make an appearance. Friday morning, as students arrived for our 8 a.m. performance, we learned that one of our company had an emergency and would not be at school. Without hesitation, Alexa, our assistant stage manager, calmly said, “Well, I guess I have to go on.” And she did. With 30 minutes to prepare, she got into costume and makeup, reviewed the script, and walked through the scenes with the other actors. Alexa stepped up like a trouper. During the show, entrances were missed, props “vanished,” a candy oar broke (and was quickly repaired), but still the show went on because it must, and the audience, as we had reminded the company, did not know the difference.

By the evening performance, our greatest “problem” was not having enough chairs. We had to wait 10 minutes until everyone could be seated. I spent much of the last show in the wings watching the cast cheer and applaud each other. They were a true theater tribe, supporting and encouraging each other.

Many of these students will never set foot on a stage again. Others hope to work backstage, while some plan to audition for their high school productions. A few want to pursue a career in the arts. All of them now have a deeper understanding of the opportunities to express themselves through theater. In a reflection about their experience, the majority encouraged our rising eighth graders to enjoy the ride, take a chance, and not be afraid to look ridiculous because it all goes by so quickly.

After the evening performance, several parents came up to me in disbelief that it was their son/ daughter up there on the stage. “How did you do it?,” they asked. It’s a mystery.