School News

6th Grade Play Garners Cheers

Sixth graders delighted audiences this week with their spirited performance of The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet. The fun, lighthearted production belied all of the hard work that went on behind the scenes; students not only acted in the play, but also built sets, designed the lighting and sound, and worked on costumes.

Preparing for the 6th grade play can feel a bit like being on a rollercoaster. Students have to overcome nerves as they take the stage, get in front their peers, and act. But, fears of public speaking and embarrassment melt away as the 6th graders realize they are all in it together. Expectations are high. Sixth graders are charged with learning lines, building their characters, and learning to work together on and off stage. But there’s nothing like the feeling of coming to the end of the play and basking in the enthusiastic applause of the audience.

This year's production, The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet, turns the iconic Shakespearian play into a light-hearted comedy. Sixth graders are comfortable with comedy and naturally have more familiarity with Dr. Seuss than Shakespeare. "Shakespearian characters can seem very remote," Drama Teacher Natalie Zanin says. Zanin opted for this modern adaptation of Romeo and Juliet so that her students would have a way in to the content and characters of the play.

The integrated Theater Arts curriculum ensures students have an opportunity to flourish in the production, on or off stage. In the beginning of the year, students rotate through classes exploring movement and drama and learning to take risks on stage, bring life to their characters, and capture the audience's attention. Working backstage with lighting, sound, and props offers students even more opportunities for input and choice. With more choice, "students take ownership and there's more engagement," Theater Arts and Music Teacher Mike Woods explains.

What’s up next on the theater marquee? Don’t miss the 8th grade production of The Music Man, May 18 and 20, 2018.
Lowell School is a private PK-8th grade school located in NW Washington, DC. Our mission is to create an inclusive community of lifelong learners in which each individual is valued and respected.