Get ready to follow the yellow brick road this spring, when St. Michaels University School Grade 5 students bring The Wizard of Oz to the stage for the annual Junior School musical performance.
Choosing the annual musical is a thoughtful process that begins early in the school year. Each September, long-time Junior School musical director and French teacher Stephanie Geehan picks a handful of options and then, after spending the fall term getting to know the Grade 5 students, makes the final decision.
“I chose The Wizard of Oz because we have lots of enthusiastic students, and the show provides many characters and opportunities for students to be featured,” she said. “And I’m a huge fan of Wicked — both the musical and the movie — so the timing felt perfect.”
Throughout January, students have been preparing for auditions in Drama class, and it is here where they can explore short scenes from the show and experiment with different characters. All of their preparations will see a pay off in mid-February when the final cast is announced
School musicals are a rite of passage at SMUS, woven into the student experience from Junior through Senior School. Rehearsals are built into the school day, allowing students to engage fully in the creative process as part of their learning. Across the year, the theatre season unfolds with the Senior School musical in late February, a biennial Middle School production in March, and the Junior School musical rounding out the season in early June. Whether students are acting, singing, dancing, or supporting behind the scenes, each production offers meaningful opportunities to take part.
“I heard happy feedback from many excited students and parents when the choice was announced,” she recalled. “And with auditions coming up soon, I can see that excitement building again. I’m excited too! This is a well-loved classic, and I’m really looking forward to bringing it to life with the Grade 5 students.”
The Junior School production will take place at the Royal McPherson Theater on June 4-5.
