Middle School Produces Original Play, Shapeshifter Haven
Middle School drama students conceived, wrote and performed their very own Winter Musical Production, “Shapeshifter Haven.” View photos.
Filled with zany chase scenes, clever songs and elaborate dance numbers, the play entertained the school community during evening and daytime performances.
In the play, two kids, Rose and Jason, fight with their parents over cookies and computer time and run away from home. They are lured to Mystery Island where an evil witch named Lucinda tries to cast them under her spell. Sensing that all is not well, the kids find friends who help them return home.
In the play, two kids, Rose and Jason, fight with their parents over cookies and computer time and run away from home. They are lured to Mystery Island where an evil witch named Lucinda tries to cast them under her spell. Sensing that all is not well, the kids find friends who help them return home.
For 10 weeks, 18 fifth and sixth graders worked feverishly to write and stage the play. Writing a script collaboratively was not an easy task. The students engaged in several weeks of brainstorming and flow-charting, and filled entire white boards with ideas. When the students could not agree on a plot twist, they voted.
“There were so many ideas being thrown out,” said 5th grader Daisy Fichthorn who helped write the play. “We wanted to make everyone happy but sometimes we couldn’t. We had to come up with ways to make sure ideas were being heard and that everything made sense.”
“In addition to crafting a story, the students had to learn how to work together in a productive and enjoyable way,” said Faculty Advisor Jake Alrich. “Teamwork, creativity, and time management were key.”
For cast members Daniela Galik and Anne Nichols, the play was an incredible bonding experience. “It’s like we all had this secret as we worked on the play together,” said Daniela. “Being part of something special makes you feel special.”
“We became a family,” said Anne.
New Canaan Country School
New Canaan Country School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin and are afforded all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid policies or any other school-administered programs.
