"A Class Act Players" in its Eleventh Season!
by Walter Griffen
April 18, 2008
Soon (May 6 at 7:00 P.M. to be exact), the curtains will once again rise in the Middle School Auditorium and, "A Class Act Players" will present, The Saga of Dead Dog Gulch. In its eleventh season, this musical review will hit the stage, delighting friends and parents. Since January, Mr. Griffen, Mrs. Dinwiddie, Mr. Dover, and 30 actors and actresses from the third, fourth, and fifth grades have been busy preparing a brand new musical just for you.
“We've not done this one before. It's brand new. It’s a challenge to do something different and unfamiliar. In the past we have repeated a few of our favorites, but that gets old. We try to change it up every now and then to keep the whole experience exciting and fresh for us as well as the kids,” Mr. Griffen said. “This continues to be a great experience for all of us. We see children reach new heights, gain more self confidence, learn to memorize, step into new character roles. It is a unique learning experience. I don’t think there are any tests that could assess all the benefits for our children. They learn to help each other, work together and become accountable to one another. Mrs. Dinwiddie and Mr. Dover bring quality to the production with their expertise in music and stage set design. We couldn’t do it at this level without them.”
How did it all begin? In 1994, Putnam County R-1 School was awarded a grant for the arts, known as, “Arts as a Basic Skill.” The program was designed to help ensure that the arts remain a vital part of public schools’ core curriculum. Several teachers attended the summer institute and were taken through a tapestry of art experiences from various forms of art from movement and music to creative visual arts. They were led by an eclectic group of accomplished artists from theater to music, production to visual arts, and educational psychology. Out of that experience came a production now known as “A Class Act Players.” It includes any third, fourth, or fifth grade student who wants to be a part. Auditions are held and roles assigned. From that point on, it’s lights, cameras, action, and a whole lot of fun! Join us May 6 for another enjoyable performance.
