The RiverPark Center’s Theatre Arts Academy will present School House Rock Live Jr. on Friday. The students who participated in the two-week academy will perform on stage using props, set pieces and backdrops that were all created by them as well.
Each student involved in the Theatre Arts Academy has been in classes and involved in rehearsals since early July. The morning classes are led by theatre arts professionals who guide the students through the ins and outs of stage performances.
“The youngest group made up of 7- to 10-year-olds made all of the props and set pieces for the production. The middle group made up of 11- to 13-year-olds created all of the backdrops for the production,” said Grae Greer, director of marketing and education at RPC.
Students between ages 7-18 rehearsed every day in preparation for the musical, Greer added. The high school students involved in TAA will reveal a screening of the short film they created at 5 p.m. Friday, followed by the School House Rock Live Jr. performance.
Tucker Greer, who directed the musical, said it had been great to watch the TAA students grow over the last two weeks.
“Right now we’re puzzle-piecing the show together and we can’t wait to see the final product on Friday,” he said.
Ashleynd Hatfield, a 7-year-old student at the academy, said her favorite thing about TAA was getting to dance and act every day, while Dylan McCollam, 13, said her favorite part of the experience had been making new friends.
“I love seeing everyone sharing their talents with each other,” McCollam added.
Grae Greer, who served as the technical theatre educator, said seeing the students take control of the props and set pieces was one of the biggest highlights.
“This is an opportunity they don’t get anywhere else, and it’s so sweet seeing them take pride in their creations,” she said.
RPC will enforce social distancing with seating for Friday’s performance. The agency also asks all attendees to wear a mask as they enter the premises.
