Work Hard, Play Hard!
When the Junior School’s production of Villain School opens on February 23, what you won’t see amidst the action onstage is the hard work behind the scenes in the weeks leading up to opening night.
The Junior School play offers a chance for boys from Grades 3 to 8 to experience what goes into a real theatre production, with plenty of learning along the way, from working on the stage crew, to learning about sound and lighting, to managing the backstage and front of house.
Auditions began in December for acting roles, with weekly rehearsals commencing for actors and dancers in January. In addi- tion to the acting opportunities, two group dance numbers open and close the show. Meghan Barron, a dance teacher at Groove Studio, has worked with RSGC for three years now to create fun and dynamic choreography.
Senior School students Ethan Peterson, Oliver Logush and Kern Chepeha are working with Junior School students on the sound, lighting and other technical aspects of the show. Grade 8 student Nick Woollcombe is taking on the role of stage manager, and other students have the chance to learn about managing the backstage and front-of-house.
Senior School students Ethan Peterson, Oliver Logush and Kern Chepeha are working with Junior School students on the sound, lighting and other technical aspects of the show. Grade 8 student Nick Woollcombe is taking on the role of stage manager, and other students have the chance to learn about managing the backstage and front-of-house.
Emilie Toguri’s art class is designing and building the sets, while parent volunteer Tara Steele is helping with costume design and creation.
Junior School administrator Jacquie Baby plays a pivotal role in coordinating the various elements of the production. Jacquie, who has many years in theatre and arts administration, is thrilled to offer the chance for the boys to learn what really goes into a suc- cessful theatre production. “They learn everything, from opening the house, to talking on headsets, to calling cues, to how production meetings are run,” she says.
According to teachers Janet Stephenson and Stefanie Turner, the play is also a great opportunity to develop community and accountability. “Boys from every grade in the Junior School have a chance to participate and interact with boys they might not oth- erwise know,” says Janet. “It’s such a great opportunity to foster a love of the arts at a young age,” adds Stefanie.
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Royal St. George's College is an independent school for boys located in The Annex neighbourhood of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The school admits boys from Grades 3 through 12. Our mission is to challenge and inspire each of our students to become the best version of himself.