Rows and rows of elementary students quietly filled the LES (Lakeland Elementary School) Cafeteria Tuesday morning (2.27.18) to practice for the first-ever Drama Club production.
The students will present “Annie Kids” this weekend — 6 p.m. Friday and 4 p.m. Saturday — on the LES cafeteria stage. Tickets are $2 for students and $5 for adults and can be purchased at the door.
Kristen Newton, fourth-grade math and science teacher and Drama Club sponsor, organized the students and prompted them about props, cues and most importantly, no talking behind stage. Then the students assumed their positions and the first full-cast rehearsal began.
The play is sponsored by the LES PTA. Jamie Johnson, vice president of cultural arts for the PTA, said, “This play is not part of a touring group as in years past. This year, we are using a kids version of the play where the length of lines, etc. have been made shorter to be more appropriate for memorization in this age group. Because of this change, we have also started a Drama Club for the first time this year.”
Mrs. Johnson said Ms. Newton selected the play “because it has such big personalities, it has many parts for all of our Lakeland stars, and because it is a classic!”
Over 165 students auditioned for the parts and 85 were selected to be involved in the play, said Mrs. Johnson. The students practice during club time -7:45 – 8:45 a.m. – Monday through Friday and started practice the first of January.
She said the PTA is covering all cost-related aspects of the play including costumes, props and sets with many items found at second-hand stores or provided by parents. PTA members will also help, alongside teachers, during the performances, at the ticket desk and assisting the cast.
LES serves students in grades K-4. LMPS (Lakeland Middle Preparatory School) has grades 5-8. High school students attend Arlington High School through an interlocal agreement until a high school wing can be added to the middle school.
“Annie Kids”
Fri. March 2 – 6 p.m.
Sat. March 3 – 4 p.m.
$2 for students, $5 for adults – tickets at the door
Link to photo album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/WHxEJ502GGsAhEyM2
… Photos by Jim Willis, Lakeland Currents.
