By Emma, Ivy, Jarvel, Ny’elle,
Pearl and Sarah
Mendota Elementary 5th graders
Would you like to know what it’s like to be in a school musical? Let’s learn more from Ms. Kathy Chamberlain, production manager of Mendota Elementary’s musicals since 2016. This year’s musical was Willy Wonka Kids.
After reading an article in the Isthmus newspaper in 2016 about a project between the Overture Center and Disney called Disney Musicals in Schools, Ms. Chamberlain thought this would be a great experience for Mendota scholars.
Despite never joining a musical as a cast member herself, Ms. Chamberlain said she learned a lot about musicals through her daughter, who was in lots of musicals from the time she was nine years old until now as an adult.
Mendota’s musicals are special because they have large costume and props crews. “As the production manager, it’s really important to me that as much as possible, kids are making things and doing the work for our shows. Our shows should not look like a bunch of grown-ups put it together. It should look like kids with help from grown-ups put it together. As a part of that, this is a chance for kids to learn how to do things like use a sewing machine,” said Ms. Chamberlain.
The cast and crew both have different skills, but in different ways they are all talented. Ms. Chamberlain said it can be difficult to choose roles because scholars can sometimes be disappointed if they do not get the role they wanted. It is important to remember that every role is important.
This year, Mendota scholars had the opportunity to perform two times at the Overture Center so more people could experience the Willy Wonka Kids show.
Make sure you don’t miss Mendota’s school musical next year. It is sure to be great!
