Parent Teacher Magazine Union County Public Schools March/April 2018 | Page 15

PRMS musical emphasizes inclusiveness, both on and off the stage
On Feb. 8, the Porter Ridge Middle (PRMS)
musical theatre troupe took to the stage and
performed Shrek the Musical Jr. for more than
1,000 Union County Public Schools (UCPS)
students.
With their award-winning acting chops on full
display, the actors danced across the stage and
belted out songs that emphasized confidence,
self-empowerment and the importance of simply
being yourself.
It’s a powerful message that PRMS chorus
and musical theater teacher Bridget Burrows
is passionate about and one that she wants
all students to know. And it’s a message that
has been incorporated into every part of the
production, which also includes a cast of students
in sixth through the eighth grades who have
varying types of abilities.
“We chose this musical because I wanted to
do something different but also something that
the kids could really buy into. So when I read
Shrek and looked at the plot summary, I just
felt that it is so parallel to what’s going on in
our society today,” Bridget said. “Everyone feels
judged and everyone is so judgmental, and there On Feb. 8, the Porter Ridge Middle (PRMS) musical theatre troupe took to the stage
just needs to be equality with all of our kids.”
and performed Shrek the Musical Jr. for more than 1,000 Union County Public Schools
To help make the entire Shrek Jr. production
(UCPS) students.
an inclusive and interactive experience for
all students, Bridget and the PRMS theatre troupe hosted its
inaugural Shrek Special Music Festival in December, where they
put on several workshops and performances for students who
have disabilities. The event was made possible through a LIFT
grant provided by the Union Education Foundation.
at Eight Legs Gallery - 310 E. South Main St., Waxhaw
The success of that event as well as the overall success of
Ages 8-12 D Monday - Friday D 10-1
the diverse cast, which recently received an Excellence in Acting
Camps
start June 11th D 6 Sessions to choose from
award at the Junior Theater Festival, is even further proof that the
benefits of musical theatre are far-reaching for every student.
“Our children need more than just inclusion; they need to
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be able to interact with each other. And when you’re in musical
er
theatre and on stage, you have to interact with each other,”
Early!
Bridget said. “Theatre teaches all kinds of life skills that every
Spaces
student should have, and having the opportunity to offer this
L
imited
experience to students of varying abilities is fantastic. This just
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shows that you should never put a limit on a student’s abilities.”
After the performance, sixth grader Will VanCleave said that
since getting to know each other during rehearsals and preparing
for the show, the cast has grown to be much more than just
casual friends.
“We’re all so close now,” he said. “I only knew two people at
first, but now we’re all like a family.”
And when asked what she hopes students take away from the
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show, eighth grade cast member Carson Elliott said she hopes
with a
people realize that they never have to change for anyone else.
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variety of
“Just be yourself, that’s what we want people to take away
s
m
iu
d
e
m
from the show,” she added. “And to remember that what makes
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us special makes us strong.”
–This article was provided by the Union County Public Schools
Communication Office.
704-771-6121
Belinda Muth, instructor
Parent Teacher Magazine • Mar/Apr 2018 • 13