School Plays Build Teamwork Dedication and Confidence
The Power of Theater in Education
What comes to mind for most people in a school environment when they hear words like teamwork, good coaching, practice, hard work, dedication and performing in front of a live audience? For many, the first thought is sports. While this is true, it’s not the only school activity that requires these elements. School drama and theatrical groups also rely on these same components to bring plays to life for the community.
A well-rounded education includes more than just classroom learning. It also encompasses opportunities to participate in activities such as band, sports, choir, Science Olympiad, Quiz Bowl, and theatrical productions. These extracurriculars provide students with valuable experiences that go beyond academic subjects.
In Manistee County schools, students are fortunate to have access to a variety of programs. The Manistee Area Public Schools (MAPS) has had a drama program for decades, and for nearly 20 years, there has been a cooperative theatrical program involving Bear Lake, Onekama, and Brethren students. This is particularly impressive considering all four districts are rural, where one might not expect to find such offerings.
Despite their small size, these communities have shown strong interest in drama. Students are actively involved in both on-stage and behind-the-scenes roles, demonstrating a passion for theater that continues to thrive.
Teacher Amanda Feyen has led the MAPS drama program for many years and has done an exceptional job. Recently, the program put on “The Little Mermaid” at Manistee Middle High School. This production was a huge success, with 50 MAPS students participating in the production team. These numbers reflect the continued enthusiasm among students for theatrical involvement.
Another example of this collaborative effort is the cooperative theatrical venture among Kaleva Norman Dickson, Onekama, and Bear Lake schools. This year, the program was led by Amanda Harthun, Karen Storms Rohm, and John Storms Rohm. They recently staged “Willy Wonka Jr.” in the Onekama Consolidated Schools cafetorium, which received rave reviews.
Although these schools are small, they manage to create large-scale productions with many students taking part. What’s even more remarkable is the quality of costumes and sets, which are often far beyond what one might expect from a school performance.
The success of these programs can be attributed to key values such as good coaching, teamwork, practice, dedication, hard work, and performing in front of a live audience. Let’s explore each of these aspects:
Good Coaching: In the world of theater, this means having skilled directors who inspire young minds to achieve great things on stage. Directors like Amanda Harthun and Amanda Feyen have shown incredible passion for their projects, and their dedication rubs off on the students.
Teamwork: Just like in sports, teamwork is essential for a successful play. This involves actors, set designers, lighting technicians, choreographers, and those responsible for promoting the show. Everyone must work together to ensure the production runs smoothly.
Practice, Dedication, and Hard Work: These values go hand-in-hand in any theatrical performance. Students must be committed to their roles and attend regular practices. These efforts may not be visible to the audience, but they are crucial for the final performance.
Performing in Front of a Live Audience: This adds a unique pressure that is different from rehearsals. However, it also teaches students the importance of giving their best effort, a lesson that extends beyond the stage into everyday life.
Participating in a theatrical production offers students a tremendous learning experience. It helps them develop skills that can be applied throughout their lives, whether in academics, careers, or personal endeavors. Despite challenges such as tight school budgets and funding cuts, these programs remain invaluable educational tools.
It’s important for legislators, school boards, and administrators to recognize the value of these programs and continue supporting them. A heartfelt congratulations goes out to all the students who participated in this year’s plays. They did their schools proud and gained important life lessons along the way.
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