Madison Theatre has announced the four productions they will be putting on this year, along with the dates of which they will be performed.

The advanced theatre class at MCHS is currently working on a play named Peter and the Starcatcher. Based on the 2006 novel written by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, Peter and the Starcatcher tells the backstory of the popular fairy tale character Peter Pan. The show will premiere September 30th and run through October 2nd.

The next main production, Meet Me in St. Louis, is a musical based on the 1994 film. It focuses on a family the year before the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. Claire Lostutter, senior and recent star in last years production of Mary Poppins, shared some exciting news about the upcoming show, “I’m very excited to start work on Meet Me in St. Louis, which is a community play, so anyone from 4th grade to adults can audition.” The musical will be shown November 18th through the 20th.

The spring will also feature two shows, with a class production of Don’t Drink the Water and a main stage performance of Annie Get Your Gun.

One popular topic around school is the recent construction going on in the building. While excited for the new project and happy to see the school moving forward, the theatre program has lost much of its space that was once used as storage for tools and props. Aaron Kelsey, theatre director for the past 15 years, shared that the program was given a new space to store costumes, but it is in a very inconvenient spot across campus in a barn. As for his dream for the theatre program in the upcoming years, he states, “In the future I would like to have a set construction shop and dressing rooms. Maybe one day…”

When it comes to the size of the program, Madison Theatre has around 100 students involved. Many students discover many benefits from being involved with the theater program. The participants become well rounded and learn valuable skills on how to balance school, theater, and other responsibilities. Theater students participate in other activities as well such as sports, academic teams or other clubs offered by MCHS.

Jordyn Bryant, sophomore and actress in the upcoming productions says, “I think theatre has made me into a more outgoing and expressive person. I’ve always been more quiet, but now I’m more open to showing the goofy, playful side of myself that not everyone saw before.”

Many students dream of pursuing a career in theatre after high school. Larose Nicolas, a senior at MCHS, hopes to have a career in musical theatre. ”I will never forget what I learned at MCHS Theatre. I’m sad about this being my last year but I know I’m off to better things.” Lostutter also plans to pursue acting as a career. “Our theatre program has prepared me for so many things, even unrelated to theatre. It has made me a better public speaker, more confident, and more creative. I plan to use what I have learned as I go to college to pursue a career in acting.”

Support is given to all students at MCHS to get involved outside of the regular school requirements. The theatre program at Madison is a great opportunity to make new friends and have a creative outlet. Lostutter encourages any involvement in the theatre program.“If you’re thinking of joining our theatre program, you will definitely not regret it. Whether it’s onstage performing, being part of the crew, or running lights and sound with tech, there are an endless list of benefits, and you really become a family with your fellow thespians.”