ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS – Who says that 6th graders can’t produce their own musical?
This year, the Atlantic Highlands Elementary School decided to change their annual musical production. In the early stages of selecting their play, this group of 12 sixth graders started joking with music and drama teacher, Jennifer Wolff suggesting that they direct, and have the teachers act. Wolff decided this was an experiential learning opportunity; why not let the students be in charge instead of the teachers?
The students immediately stepped up to the challenge; Wolff gave them a list of plays to choose from and the students took it from there. “We were very excited about the opportunity. Once we selected our play, we voted on who should take on what leadership roles… We didn’t know how much of the school staff would be interested in auditioning, but we knew we needed at least 15 for us to be able to move forward – and we got 26!” said student, Jordan Lombardi.
Wolf noted, “They were so serious in their tasks that even I was nervous to audition for them. It’s hard to believe they are only in 6th grade!”
After selecting “Into the Woods” as their play, the students determined their own roles: directors- Jordan Lombardi, Bailey Tucker, and Marlo Laura; scenery, costumes and makeup-Melissa Kurdes and Jack Schutzenhofer; props and ticketing-Ryann Kenny and Jack Denvir; stage director-Jack Crowley; crew directors- Brandon Hunter and Noah Shippee; musical director-Quinn Casey; and choreography-Matt Doherty. They also designed and painted the sets, under the direction of art teacher, Caroline Northrop and Adrienne Shippee, a local artist and parent who designs and directs the set creation for all other AHES musicals.
Tickets sold out quickly (350 seats), and it was SRO the night of the May 20 performance. The proceeds of the play will enable the challenge drama students to attend a Broadway show. In addition, the National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS) students ran a concession stand to raise money for the Robin Vaccarelli Scholarship, and raised almost $500. “We have such an inclusive and supportive community here at AHES!” said Principal Janet Walling. “Everyone really comes together to support each other and our students and staff all work towards success for one another. It really feels like a family here, and that’s our goal every day.”
To answer the big question: have the students learned anything from this experience? “We really enjoy getting to see both sides and it will definitely add to my craft. You need to have an appreciation for directing and all the work that goes into it,” said student Marlo Laura.
“…We really understand what it feels like in their shoes. I know I can apply these skills in so many other ways,” said student, Bailey Tucker.
Dr. Compton, Superintendent of Tri-District Schools, wants to see more of this type of experiential learning, “This is exactly what the future of education holds and I’m proud to see it happening at Atlantic Highlands Elementary…Teachers like Mrs. Wolff are leading the way for our students at AHES!”
