The middle school drama department performed Monster Theater Fest last weekend. The 30 students in the cast and crew brought adaptations of three classics to life on the stage: Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, Frankenstein, and The Hound of Baskervilles. For the first time, the middle school students had the opportunity to participate in an educational and creative process. Before rehearsals even started for Monster Fest, all of the students attended workshops in costumes/make-up, set design, props, and tech. High school student directors also attended directing workshops with mentor director Mrs. Stephanie Clay, to learn how to run rehearsals, block scenes, and help younger actors. 

Under the leadership of these student directors (Mica Teune, Palmer Reid, and Lilia Hackert) and adult mentor directors, (Mrs. Amanda Steelman, Mrs. Stephanie Clay, and Ms. Olivia Reamer) the middle school students used their own concepts for costumes, lighting, set design, and hair and makeup to bring the three mini plays to life. They made lists, drew costume ideas, searched the costumes and props closets, painted sets, and wrote out lighting and sound plans for student tech director, Jeremiah Anema. Not only were students on the stage acting, but the middle school and high school students contributed their creative vision for each show. That all added up to a creative product that not only entertained the audience, but also showed what different aspects of theater that the students explored.