RCMS Theatre

by Katherine M. & Rachel R.

Whether you’re in drama class or you just get involved in the shows, the drama program is a great way to live out your acting dream. The program has been steadily growing for many years, and has put on a wide variety of shows. After talking to different people with different backgrounds in our theater program, we have come up with a panel of different experiences.

Sixth grader Alyssa P. has been in drama class and a performance at the Lower School, and just played King Julien in Madagascar.

“At the lower school the plays were not hard, but not as fun [as the ones in Middle School]. The transition [from Lower School to Middle School] was not hard,” Alyssa said.

After being asked what inspired her to act, Alyssa replied, “When I was in 2nd grade, I watched the lower school play, and it looked very fun. My first acting thing was at Trinity church, and it was very fun.”

Eighth grader Elizabeth H. is new to the program this year, but has seen and acted in performances at her old school. She recently played Alex the lion in Madagascar, which is the main role.

“I went into the audition thinking I wouldn’t get a role.” Elizabeth’s face lit up as she recounted her experience.

“I never expected that I would get Alex [the main role]. I think I did that happy scream giggle thing. At my old school, they gave me a small role and said I wasn't very good. Because of this, I didn't expect them to ask me back.”

When asked what sparked her interest in acting, Elizabeth replied, “When I was about six years old I went to the play Princess and the Pea at the Candlelight Pavilion. They let all the little girls come up and when I stood on the stage, I just felt really comfortable and happy.”

Seventh grader Aiden G. has participated in several shows at RCMS, plus a few Lifehouse plays.

We asked Aiden how he became interested in acting, and he replied, “I had nothing to do after school in the fifth grade so I joined the drama club and really enjoyed it.”

Aiden has also been able to grow in many abilities while doing these productions. He played José in Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells Batman Smells which involved some difficult Spanish lines.

“I have grown in all of abilities while performing in the drama program especially my vocals; my vocals were not even close to how they are now.”

Eighth grader Emma Alloway has also participated in many shows at RCMS, and several musicals at her church. According to her, “My overall experience has been a mixture of stress, fun, and discovering that I can do what I love with the people I love.”

She has grown in her abilities a lot, going from background dancer and singer in Annie to the lead role in Junie B. Jones. “I've grown in my abilities so much by learning that getting along with others is a big part of the whole thing, and knowing that God blessed me in a way I love.”

Emma also has a big acting dream, and when asked what inspired that, she replied, “I really didn't know I had a passion for acting until 6th grade. After acting in James and the Giant Peach, I really realized that maybe I could be good at this, and maybe this is what I was meant to do for the rest of my life. This is one of the few things I'm actually good at outside of school and I'm willing to work to get what I want.”

English and Drama teacher Mrs. Huffman has directed many plays at RCMS, and has also participated in many productions since childhood. “I’ve always loved acting, and my siblings and I would put on plays at home. There weren't very many opportunities at my middle school. I was always pushing for it, but it never happened. There were some in high school, but it was again very small,” she says.

She has had experience directing at other places as well. “I’ve really enjoyed [directing], but there was a learning curve because there are so many more pieces to consider than you expect, or that they really tell you about in college. A show that is really dear to my heart is the first one that I directed at RCS, Charlotte’s Web."

If you would like to fulfill your acting dreams, make new friends, or just have a good time, you should become a part of this amazing program! Please sign up to audition for the musical in the spring, Frozen Jr.! We would love you to be part of it, and we hope to see you there!