Middle school choir to perform “The Dastardly Doctor Devereaux”

Array

May 19, 2009 12:30 pm
Robert Hall and Jean Henigson instruct middle school students to perform in “The Dastardly Doctor Devereaux.”
Robert Hall and Jean Henigson instruct middle school students to perform in “The Dastardly Doctor Devereaux.”

by K. Anna

Sounder Correspondent

Interpersonal communication is essential.

This is what Orcas Middle School choir students are learning during their Orcas Arts Education Project (OAEP) theatre instruction, as they prepare to perform “The Dastardly Doctor Devereaux.”

Orcas Center will open their doors to the public at 7:30 p.m. on May 28 and 29 to showcase this main stage melodrama filled with song and dance.

While up on stage, not only will the students be gaining life skills, but they will also be fulfilling their Washington state EALR – their Essential Academic Learning Requirements in the area of fine arts and theatre. This would not have been possible without Orcas Center providing leadership for the OAEP program.

Robert Hall is the Orcas Arts Education Project drama coach, middle school teacher and director of the production. Jean Henigson is assisting with the dance and Lizz Hanks is providing musical training.

“The focus is really the lessons learned along the way,” Hall said. “The play showcases a lot of those lessons. The development of a play teaches interpersonal communication, trust, creativity, leadership, collaboration, critical thinking, empathy, acceptance, self-discipline and self esteem. Literacy and communication are integral parts of theater study. Here, through the rehearsal of the melodrama, these students have developed skills and concepts that directly support learning in reading, writing, and speaking among others. Through the creative process the students explore themselves, their surroundings, and others as well. They develop personal meaning, empathy, and an appreciation of the human condition.”

The cast includes Nile Reed, Courtney Ray, Jessica Gudgell, Winter Hyatt, Annie Lister, Chris Babbock, Alex Grantham, Tamara Klein, Lindsey Lancaster, Jules Mann, Ernesto Martinez, Addie Newcombe, Cameron Schuh, Rose Strasen, Elizabeth Tully, Jenna Tully, and high school students Chloe Scott and Jared Grantham.

“I have never been more proud of any cast I’ve ever worked with,” Hall said. “They have come so far. Every day at least one of the students makes me laugh – if not most of them – all of them. Their growth has been incredible. They have opened up to me, have followed me, and have led me down a very gratifying path. They’ve done a very, very good job. I hope the public sees the show and supports the students and the program.”