In early October of 2020, students at Lakeland Elementary School submitted virtual audition tapes of singing, dancing and acting, in order to be compliant with the odd challenges of this year. They were vying for a role in the LES drama production of The Jungle Book Kids, which was recorded on February 6, 2021.
According to Lauren Baird, Cultural Arts Chair of the LES PTA, the students practiced 1-2 mornings a week before school (in person) and learned dances virtually after being cast in October. At the in person rehearsals, the kids were masked, socially distanced on stage and followed strict safety protocols.
The production crew was all hands on deck with the entire cast of costumes being made by Mrs. Nichols (LES 2nd grade teacher) with Mrs. Kathy Moore (LES parent) helping her. The play was directed by Mrs. Robin Smith (LES music teacher), Mrs. Angie Todd (LES 4th grade teacher) was backstage manager, and the LES art teacher, Mrs. Igleharte, and LPS art teacher, Mr. Parham, created backdrops. Choreography was done by Grayson Todd & Parker Hood. Approximately 53 K-4 students were involved, with 14 students serving as crew members and 39 students with roles in the play, from narrators, to dancers, to rocks, animals and even a King!
Jenny Kiesel, LES PTA President said, “I am in awe of how these kids and staff adapted to make The Jungle Book happen this year. They only had main characters practice and everyone else working at home for the most part, but they pulled it all together. Mrs. Smith is an amazing director and Mrs. Nichols is so talented with hand making the costumes! Lauren Baird does a great job keeping things in line as Cultural Arts Chair for the PTA. It has truly been a group effort and I’m so proud of the LES drama club”.
The downside is that due to copyright issues and the licensing agreement, only the parents of students who were in the play were able to purchase DVD’s of the production. Students will be allowed to see it streamed at school. Sounds like a good excuse to reach out to a friend at LES for a viewing party – masks on, of course!
