Alongside Upper School students portraying characters such as Peter, Wendy, and Captain Hook, 18 Jackson Academy Middle School students have roles in the upcoming production “Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure.” The musical is October 21-23 in the JA Performing Arts Center.
For sixth graders, it is their first experience with a professional-level JA musical production. Once they have performed in the fall musical, many are “hooked,” says Director of Performing Arts Kerri Sanders, who directs the production. For example, most eighth graders with “Peter Pan” roles have been in JA musicals each year since sixth grade.
Acting experiences provide learning opportunities for middle schoolers. Students receive vocal and dance training and learn about blocking, projection, set construction, and characterization. Students regularly practice these skills during the weeks leading up to the show. They build confidence, learn teamwork, develop problem-solving skills, and overcome fears.
Middle School roles include Michael Darling; Nana, the family dog; the Twins; Lamplighters; Londoners; a Newspaper Boy; and ensembles of Lost Boys, Warriors, and Pirates.
Participating in performing arts is an excellent way for students to connect and find a group of friends. Sixth-grader Mac Davis‘ first introduction to JA was a “Peter Pan” rehearsal this summer, said Sanders. Mac is in the Lost Boys ensemble.
The scale of musical productions at JA provides exciting opportunities for students. Eighth-grader Anna Mitchell Peters is learning about the fly system in her portrayal of Michael. The character of Michael flies to Neverland with Peter Pan and Michael’s siblings, Wendy and John. Students will receive instruction from a flight director from ZFX Flying Effects on October 8-10.
“I am very excited to learn to fly,” said Anna Mitchell. “I will be learning the safety rules that go into it and how productions fly their cast members, as well as how to fly.”
Anna Mitchell has always loved the stage and anticipates a career in theatre and musicals. “I am very thankful I found this group of people and this activity I love so much,” she said. “My favorite thing to do is to perform. I really love doing it, and the cast is always so kind. The high schoolers are amazing at including us, and I want to be just like them! Peter Pan is going to be an extraordinary show this year!”
JA faculty and counselors see students grow during the weeks leading up to the musical. Students develop new skill sets and attitudes, whether facing the highs and lows of auditioning or managing their school work along with rehearsals.
“The best part of welcoming the sixth graders into the fall musical for the first time is watching the older students develop relationships with their younger cast members. The process of auditioning, casting, and learning the rehearsal process for the first time can be overwhelming, but when you have an older Middle Schooler or an Upper School veteran who takes you aside and guides you, it makes you feel right at home!” said Sanders. “The sixth graders also bring a fresh and fun energy to the process. The first time they get a dance solo or try on their costume or sing with the orchestra, it’s something really special, and the joy is written all over their faces.”
Just in the few months of “Peter Pan” rehearsals, Sanders has watched the Middle School students grow exponentially. “Whether it’s the eighth graders taking more ownership of their scheduling conflicts or spending time outside rehearsal to learn choreography, or hearing the sixth graders begin using theatre lingo as if it’s second nature, watching these students becoming more confident onstage is so rewarding and inspiring,” she said.
