A “Roaring” Success for JFK Students on Stage and Off
On May 7th the JFK Drama Club continued the tradition of quality showmanship and stage craft when
the spring performance of The Lion King opened its
weekend run to a sold out audience. The 80 cast
members and stage crew of 25 executed their performance with professionalism beyond their years.
For their advisors, Erin Hayes, Kristin Fitzsimmons,
and Kim Jacques, the best part of putting these productions together is watching the growth in their
students from 6th to 8th grade. “They learn who
they are as individuals, and most importantly find
the ‘self’ they are comfortable bein g,” says Ms. Fitzsimmons. These students will carry the skills of leadership, collaboration, and communication with them
as they grow into real-life roles far beyond those
they fill in the drama production.
Putting a large scale show like The Lion King on the
stage requires the support and cooperation of so
many groups within the school for which the advisors are grateful: Technology Education Department
creates set pieces, the Music Department flexibly
shares stage space, and the Mural Club helps with
backdrops. Family support plays an important part
in the success of these complicated productions as
well. Parents not only ensure students arrive for
chine or tool box in tow,” and support their children
in any way needed.
The club advisors coordinate their individual
strengths to support the development and delivery
of quality drama productions on the JFK stage. They
involve the students in every aspect of the production, from costume design and production to set
creation and choreography, fostering student leaders to move the show from an idea to fruition. They
see their advisory role as a way to promote leadership in their students. They rely on their 8th grade
captains to lead the way and are pleased with the
community building that occurs each year as students across all three grade levels come together to
create and deliver their production. From sound
board to spotlights, as well as character to costume
development, students take the lead in creating and
delivering the performance, including taking full responsibility this year for creating and teaching much
of the choreography.
countless rehearsals and meetings, but also lend
their talents in many ways; the advisors are amazed
each year at the parents that show up, “sewing ma4
When the students make it to the first night’s curtain call and realize what they have accomplished,
that moment makes all the effort worthwhile for the
JFK Drama Team.
inSights - Spring 2016