SOLSC #21 – Under the Sea

It is Tuesday and time to write a 'Slice of Life." 
Thank you  Two Writing Teachers for creating this supportive community
of teacher-writers!

I waited outside the stage door to catch a glimpse of the stars after they had slipped from their costumes and were headed home for the night. Then the doors burst open and THERE THEY WERE! Who screamed more, I or they? We threw our arms around each other and jumped up and down squealing. 

My former students! Transformed into middle schoolers with stage presence and strong voices and so much gorgeous zeal! 

Beaming.

I am just beaming, from last night’s performance of The Little Mermaid, the first-ever schoolwide production at my old school. 

The school has long emphasized the arts, with each grade doing many exciting projects involving visual arts, drama, music, and dance. I was founding faculty back in 2011, teaching preschool. (I retired in June 2020, and I serve on the school’s board. I love this place.) I remember so many conversations through the years, considering ways to expand these enriching opportunities. This was a dream-come-true, to have a whole school endeavor like this. 

I am so proud of the school’s inclusivity. This was not a production by the ‘favored few.’ With great thought and planning, every student from second grade up had the opportunity to participate in this production. The middle school students had primary roles and the younger grades participated in chorus and dance numbers. There were countless ‘behind the scenes’ roles for students as stage hands, costume and makeup, creating sets and props, publicity, and more. 

I arrived early to see the magic at work. The main lobby was alive with all things ‘under the sea.’ Young artists’ handiwork was all over the walls. There was a ‘will call’ ticket window and a yummy refreshment area, all staffed by students (with some essential adults on the sidelines, of course). Teachers and other adults were directing performers to get in position, and still others were supporting students backstage and in other rooms, readying for their cues to be on stage. Lots of movement, lots of energy, lots of coordination; everyone was smiling and energized: the show was about to start! 

Outside the school, the line to enter began forming some 45 minutes beforehand, and by the time the doors opened, the line queued down the street. Wait, is this Broadway, lol? I loved listening to the chatter of families and friends in that line – everyone was so excited and enthusiastic. This was the third of four evening performances, each one sold out. 

What a time-travel sensation I experienced, 
to see these 
once-upon-a-time 
squirmy young preschoolers 
up there on stage
bellowing song lyrics and reciting line after line, 
‘owning the audience.’ 

Waiting outside afterwards, I did my very best to get each one’s autograph on my playbill – a treasure, indeed. 

Theater is tremendous work, 
tremendously satisfying and fulfilling community-building work.

So proud of my school!

We got the spirit
You got to hear it
Under the sea

partial lyrics from “Under the Sea,”
Song by Samuel E. Wright

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