There’s no place like home

Mrs. Earls second grade class in Niangua recently put on a classroom production of The Wizard of Oz. 

“For weeks, I’m talking like 6 minimum, his class has been learning about how to produce their own stage play,” said second grade parent and Marshfield Community Theatre President, Amber Brand. “They’ve read through the script, memorized their lines, made costumes, built a set, transformed their classroom into a stage, ran dress rehearsal, and scheduled show dates. They even had a grand curtain!”

The students collectively put together and accomplished this goal by staying after school twice the week leading up to the show to practice. They performed three shows for the parents and other students at Niangua. 

“As a long time supporter of the arts and active volunteer with our local community theatre, I see a lot of kids come to us who have never had the opportunity or exposure to live theatre,” she explained. “Most schools don’t teach anything about theatre until high school. Occasionally some will have the opportunity in junior high. A lot of times, smaller schools like ours, do not even have a drama department or theatre club. There have been many times we get the younger kiddos at MCT that haven’t ever seen a stage play, let alone had the chance to act.”

According to Brand, the classroom production was more than a simple play… it was an opportunity given to the kids by a teacher who believed in them. Not only has she given them courage to try something new, she pushed them outside of their boxes. 

“She gave them permission to be silly, use their imagination, and to use their voice,” Brand added. “Mrs. Earls taught our kids not just about theatre but she taught them public speaking, design, memorization skills, team work, and what it feels like to be proud of a job well done.”

For a full photo gallery of the second grade production of the Wizard of Oz, visit this article at www.marshfieldmail.com.