From Classroom to Center Stage: Student Performers in the Spotlight
Photo by Molly Walker
By Molly Walker
Valdez residents know a break in the clouds can be a rare sight, but the sun will surely come out on December 14 for Gilson Middle School’s production of “Annie, Jr.” at the Valdez Civic Center. Students and staff have been working on this play since the beginning of the school year and are excited to share their show with the community.
“The musical production at GMS is the culminating product of the drama/choir class first semester. We decide which show we will do based on the number of students enrolled in drama/choir classes. We choose a play that best fits the group of students we have,” said director and Gilson Middle School teacher Teresa Huston.
Beginning in August, students enrolled in drama and choir classes get their scripts. Throughout the semester, they begin memorizing lines and learning music and choreography. Some students in these classes are veteran performers, while others are trying out theater for the first time.
““If you think some people might try to embarrass you or make fun of you, just ignore them and listen to the people who are proud of you””
Eighth grader Jackson Vincent, who plays Rooster, has been acting for years and is looking forward to returning to the stage. “My favorite part about being in theater is the feeling of being on stage, knowing you’ve entertained people. If you do a bad show, you can learn from your mistakes. So whether you’ve done a good show or a bad show, there’s always something good at the end of it.”
In addition to remembering lines, songs, and dance moves, some students are also using this opportunity to overcome feelings of stage fright.
“I love singing and I used to have stage fright,” said sixth grader Isabelle Cook, who plays Molly. “Being in the play is lots of fun and that really helps. If you think some people might try to embarrass you or make fun of you, just ignore them and listen to the people who are proud of you,” she concludes.
Eighth grader Claire Wesson, who plays Mrs. Greer shares her thoughts about stage fright as well, “It’s going to be a good thing to get over stage fright. It’s going to feel really good once I’ve done it.”
Spending the semester working together as a class toward the final performance has given these student actors appreciation and insight into putting up a successful production. Students received lessons not just on embodying characters, projecting their voices, and picking up their cues, but on teamwork and forming friendships.
“If you do a bad show, you can learn from your mistakes. So whether you’ve done a good show or a bad show, there’s always something good at the end of it.”
“My favorite thing about ‘Annie’ is making friends. I probably wouldn’t have been friends with [members of the cast] if it wasn’t for theater,” shares sixth grader Claire Sutton, who plays Annie.
It’s not only the students who collaborate and form bonds. Huston has worked with choir teacher Ann Norris to produce musicals at GMS for over a decade. This production of “Annie, Jr.” is particularly special.
“Ann Norris and I started doing these musicals 12 years ago. We came up with the idea…and it has been a great collaboration! Our very first production was ‘Annie, Jr.’ and now 12 years later, we are doing a revival.”
As production enters its final days, everyone is putting in extra work to get the show ready for the public.
“I think the hardest thing about the play is entering the final stages. We’re going after school, we’re taking time out of our day to always perfect these things like choreography and our lines,” said eighth grader Teagan Masters, who plays Pepper.
With opening night on the horizon, Huston considers the lasting impact of theater on her students.
“I hope the students gain a sense of pride and accomplishment when they participate in these performances. It takes an incredible amount of hard work and courage to get up on stage to act, sing, and dance! I want them to have fun, and to hopefully be able to look back at their middle school years with positive memories.”
You can catch Gilson Middle School’s production of “Annie, Jr.” at the Valdez Civic Center on December 14 at 7:00 p.m. and December 15 at 12:30 p.m.
This article was orginally published on December 14.