Story and photos by Camilla Brauer ’28
Freeman Theater was busy for eight straight days as the students prepared for their musical, The Little Mermaid Jr. The production was led by Middle School Teachers Charlotte Dougherty (director), Jason Roberts (musical director), Erin Sutherlin (choreographer), JoAnne Vogel (props and costumes), and Tim Storey (set design).
After auditions in early December, the students were given scripts to look over and begin to memorize over winter break. This helped them prepare for eight short days to learn blocking, songs, and dancing. Willa Johns ’28 was looking forward to the experience. “I can learn more about acting and the theater world, and It helps students become more confident when being on stage,” she said.
Once everyone returned, they split up into different rooms to learn different parts of the musical. Dances were taught in the dance studio, songs in the choir room, lines in the hall, and blocking on stage. The students were given videos of the dances and blocking to go over, and tracks to sing along to at home to help them memorize their parts. “I learned that when you practice at home, it actually makes a big difference, and people can tell when you practice at home. It becomes much easier,” said Simone Glasser ’29.
This experience teaches the students skills they otherwise would not learn during the regular school year, such as singing, acting, and working together. Here’s what the students have to say about this experience.
“Students are able to grow as actors and singers with the help of teachers and help grow confidence during the Little Mermaid Jr. elective,” said Willa Johns ’28. Tess Thompson ’28 also liked working on her stage skills. “I’m learning more about singing and learning more about harmony and different pitches,” she said. Regan Saur ’29 has the role of Ariel and is seizing the opportunity to improve. She said, “I’m learning how to work with my voice and improve it, and I’m also learning about acting.”
Other skills translate beyond the stage. “I’m learning how much work it takes to come together and how to become a better team,” said Chloe Shamsham ’28. Jordyn Haywood ’28 said, “I am learning team-building skills and how to adjust to new challenges.”
Four days in, everyone knew their parts almost perfectly. Their straight run-through had very few corrections from the teachers. No one forgot lines, blocking, or cues the whole time. Voices were strong, clear, and confident, showing everyone how well the cast had the scenes memorized. If an actor wasn’t on stage, they were backstage silently looking over lines and following along so they would know when to come on stage.
“I am learning how to transform a play into pieces of costume and prop that will display real emotion and bring life to the scene,” said Kristiana Rogan ’28. Tommy Kastor ’28 reflected, “As a group, we are learning how to perform in front of others and how to project our voices while singing.”
The cast continued to work hard on the musical every day until their afternoon performance on January 12. Great job, Little Mermaid Jr.!