Such a performance presents challenges and surprises. While it is exciting to stand up on stage in a costume and perform a play, it can also be unnerving and some actors get cold feet as the day of the show approaches. It is always a bit painful to watch a child struggle between the desire to take that leap and participate and the stage fright that can paralyze that desire. Most take that leap, not wanting to be left alone in the wings and they are always happy and relieved to have done so. On the other hand, some very shy children surprise us with great enthusiasm and dramatic flair on stage!

 

The progression of the performances, from Small School through P5, also speak to the developmental progression of the performers. In the Small School, the play is generally performed as a group. The action and story is narrated by a teacher and lines and songs are presented by the ensemble. Little ones do not yet experience themselves as individuals and live within the consciousness of the group. In the Kinderclass, the teacher continues to narrate and maintain the storyline and forward motion of the play, while Kinderclass students recite bits of dialogue,individually or in small groupings. They enjoy this more structured 'play' as a reflection of the improvised dramatic play which they take part in throughout their days. Primary Class students are able to handle a bit more dialogue but the teacher normally provides the narration (this year a student handled that role). While these 7-8 year olds are newly able to access their conscious memory to memorize more lines, the 7 year old is awakening to a consciousness of 'self' and not eager to take risks and this self-consciousness can be restrictive in the spotlight. The 9-10 year olds in the Upper Primary Class take to the stage in earnest. They can now apply their reading skills and the conscious memory to read, memorize and recite more complex dialogue. They do not need their teacher on stage as they are better able to carry the story and action with the help of a student narrator. At this age, children seem more confident and self-aware on the stage and radiate the pride of their accomplishments. When the Primary Five Class takes the stage, we are again reminded of the seven year old. While these older students are still excited to perform, there is an even greater degree of self-consciousness and worry about embarassing oneself in front of others. This is the pre-adolescent on the verge of a wholly new perception of self as an individual, as separate from other, with all the sensitivity and vulnerability that comes with that experience.

 

For all children, these school performances are significant experiences and loom large in a child's memory and imagination. For instance, one Small School Snow Fairy had been practicing her ballet moves and quietly sharing them during practice. These special gestures were hardly visible on stage but in her mind, she really WAS a beautiful and graceful Snow Fairy. Some of our first graduates eagerly came back for the next year's Winter Celebration -- they couldn't wait for the big show. After the performances, they smiled, saying, "It was good but... it seemed much ...bigger before." What they were trying to say is that the experience of being in the show had been larger than life. The 'stage', the lights, the nervous anticipation, the stepping out in front of the audience, remembering or forgetting lines -- it felt like a Broadway production and now these 13 year olds were looking from the outside with new and more sophisticated eyes.

 

 

 

Thanks to CHRIS WESTERLUND for his work on sound and lights! Thanks to ALISA ALLEGRINI and her Upper Primary Class for painting scenery for us to share! Thanks to GENO GENG for taping the Winter Celebration and sharing it with us on his Channel 17!  Thanks to MARY CASEY for donating the tree for the performance.