Seussical the Musical

Grades K-12 Fairmont State University Academy for the Arts, 2017

I directed Seussical in May of 2017. This was my last project has drama instructor and Youth Company director at Academy for the Arts. The previous season we were able to offer two shows for students in grades K-5 and 6-12, respectively. Due to staffing shifts it was only possible in the 2017 season to offer one performance opportunity. In a effort to include all interested young people regardless of age we decided to open the auditions up to everyone grades K-12. Students in K-5 played citizens of Whoville and Jungle Creatures and student in grades 6-12 filled out the principal and supporting roles. Creative drama classes surrounding the texts of Seuss were embedded into rehearsals for grades K-5.

Winnie the Pooh Kids

Grades K-5 Fairmont State University Academy for the Arts, 2016

I directed this show in the spring with grades K-5. It was a 40 minute musical based on the work of A.A. Milne and brought to the screen by Disney. This telling focuses on Pooh and his friends adventure to rescue Christopher Robin from the Backson, a terrifying monster. This was the first performance offering for elementary age children through Academy for the Arts. After seeing Alice in Wonderland the previous spring many students in voice, instruments, and creative drama classes asked about a play for kids in their age group. We took their request to heart, and Disney’s Winnie the Pooh Kids was offered as a double feature with James and the Giant Peach.

Disney’s Alice in Wonderland

Grades 6-12 Fairmont State University Academy for the Arts, 2015

This was the first theatrical performance opportunity offered by Academy for the Arts after a several year hiatus of the youth company. This telling of Alice in Wonderland is a 1 hour musical offering that explores the journey through Wonderland.