Academies Showcase Student Talent in Theatrical Productions

Spencerville Adventist Academy (SAA) and Atholton Adventist Academy (AAA) recently captivated audiences with student-driven plays, offering a dazzling display of young talent and hard work.

SAA raised the curtain on Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” on April 13, 15, and 16. The production involved more than 60 students in various roles, including actors, orchestra members, set designers, and makeup artists. Students were divided into A and B casts, allowing for greater participation and showcasing the depth of talent. For the second year in a row, SAA offered a STEM class in set design allowing students to conceptualize, design, and construct the play’s elaborate set.

Director Jane Lanning, who was overseeing her 23rd play at the school, noted that every aspect of the production was almost entirely student-led. “They really hit a home run,” she said.

Lanning said the school aimed to use the classic tale of Cinderella as a platform for teaching spiritual lessons, such as choosing not to respond to bullying and mistreatment with unkindness, but instead to follow Christ’s example of offering grace and love. The school also emphasized that the true “happily ever after” is an eternity in heaven with Jesus, who offers to exchange our filthy rags for His robes of righteousness.

Meanwhile, AAA presented “The Sound of Music Jr.,” a student adaptation of the beloved Oscar-winning film that originally debuted in 1965. Directed by music teacher Beatriz Taylor, the performances on April 1-2 attracted enthusiastic audiences who marveled at the students’ rendition of the beloved story about a young woman named Maria who takes a job as a governess to the large Von Trapp family.

Principal Miya Kim lauded the student performers, stating, “We extend a huge congratulations to the performers; we are so proud of you!”