District News
Middle schoolers perform "Peter Pan"
June, 2011
The Middle School Drama Club members took a
journey to Never Land this year when they presented an adaptation of
“Peter Pan” by J. M. Barrie. Contrary to their father’s request that
they grow up, Wendy, Michael, and John Darling, entered a world in
which one never needs to grow up.
On their journey, accompanied by Peter Pan and Tinker Bell, the
Darling children spent time with the Lost Boys in their underground
room, had an encounter with Indians at Skull Rock, were teased by
the mermaids at Mermaid Lagoon, and even boarded the pirate ship of
Captain Hook and Smee. Regardless of all the excitement of Never
Land, they realized that they missed their home, especially the love
of their mother.
The 2010-2011 members included: Carolyn Adams, Madeline Cole,
Ashlely Darling, Nathan Ferguson, Emily Fredenburg, Geri Fredericks,
Josie Hand, Sierra Hill, Alicia Hopler, Lauren Mayer, Frankie Nare,
Zoe Plant, Kiara Putnam, Amy Reedy, Brooke Russell, Jenna Shepard,
April Terwilliger, Christina Towse, and Alex Vroman.
Under the direction of advisors, Claudia Morris and Claudia
Rockwell, the students began the year by performing small skits for
each other in which they illustrated their acting skills. Then, they
were asked to critique each other’s skits pointing out, both, the
positive and negative aspects, thus, creating a learning experience
for both the performers and the observers.
In the early spring, the students began preparing for “Peter Pan”,
giving up their recess time, two-four times per week. The members
are involved in all aspects of theatre. They are not only the
actors, but under the guidance of Mrs. Rockwell, they showcase their
artistic skills, as well, by creating the scenery. When it’s show
time, they also become the stage crew, diligently maneuvering props
and sets into place for each scene.
When asked their goal for the drama club the advisors said, “our
primary goal is to join 6th, 7th, 8th grade students together, who
might not otherwise have an opportunity to work together, and
provide them with a valuable experience. We want them to learn all
the aspects of theatre and to realize that it takes everyone to make
a successful performance.“