Theater Opportunities for Younger Students in Herington Schools
by Anne Otte
December 07, 2009
Herington Elementary and Middle School students have opportunities to participate in a high school musical production. These younger students may participate either as an extracurricular activity or on a co-curricular basis. Students will, in general, be cast in scenes which require larger numbers. They may have short lines, or they may simply be part of the chorus. In November, 2009, over 30 students were chosen from Herington middle and elementary students to be part of the Munchkin scene, the Poppy scene, and the land of Oz scene in the HHS production of Wizard of Oz. In November, 2007, approximately 20 students were selected from the same school levels to be a part of Seussical, which was produced by the high school that year.
Herington Elementary and Middle School students practice lining up for bows at the conclusion of a dress rehearsal for Wizard of Oz, November, 2009.
Herington Middle School students have produced their own musicals for the past 14 years. Each year the seventh-eighth vocal class, under the direction of Mrs. Otte, rehearses a musical for presentation in March. Among musicals that have been produced by HMS are The Adventures of Lewis and Clark (Jacobson), Honk, Jr. (a Broadway Junior musical), and, last year, The Best Little Theater in Town (Albrecht). In past years HMS sixth grade students have had opportunity to participate in smaller cast roles for the seventh-eighth grade musical.
Cast Photograph, HMS Musical, March 6, 2009: The Best Little Theater in Town
When cast in a musical, elementary and middle school students rehearse typically about ten times after school, each for a limited amount of times. This is an enjoyable activity for students, parents, and teachers. Interested persons are invited to inquire about opportunities in HHS musical theater for younger students by contacting Mrs. Otte at anneotte@usd487.org
What others say about Herington schools theatrical productions . . . quotations from students, parents, teachers, and community members
It was a great experience, I enjoyed it a lot, and I hope to be in one again.
HMS eighth grade student about experience in Wizard of Oz, fall 2009
We are fortunate to have musical productions like this in our size of community . . . Even if our community was larger we would be fortunate to have our children participate in productions like this.
Parent of elementary student and high school student, regarding their involvement in recent musicals
I think it was a real privilege to be in a play like this.
HMS seventh grade student referring to spring 2009 middle school musical
It was an amazing experience, and I would like to repeat it. I learned that it takes responsibility to learn lines and be at rehearsals.
HMS sixth grade student about Wizard of Oz, fall 2009
We were totally impressed with the HHS musical, and the students were well trained to do a great job!
Herington resident in letter regarding Back to the ‘Eighties, fall, 2008
Mrs. Otte, you and your students are to be congratulated!
Herington resident, in letter to Mrs. Otte regarding Wizard of Oz, fall 2009
One reason our high school theater program has improved is because our younger students are afforded opportunities in musicals. One can see that they have gained poise and confidence in themselves besides.
Mrs. Otte, vocal music teacher and director of annual musicals
