This production marks the first-ever musical for Buford Senior Academy’s brand-new drama program. In a world of constant screens and competition, The Jungle Book KIDS invites children to rediscover imagination and ensemble. Its timeless themes of nature, balance, and friendship align perfectly with the Drama Den’s philosophy: “Be kind to every kind.” Performing this story gives our students a shared purpose which is to collaborate, to create, and to see that their individual voices matter most when they work together.
This production of Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS would not have been possible without the incredible support and encouragement of our Buford Senior Academy leadership team — Principal Katie Neal, Assistant Principal Stephanie Perry, Assistant Principal Dr. Dusty Sidwell, and Assistant Principal Laura Laws. Your enthusiasm for the arts and belief in our young performers have made this journey truly special!
A heartfelt thank you to Superintendent Dr. Amy Chafin, the Assistant Superintendents (Mrs. Waycaster, Mrs. Lingerfelt, and Mrs. Hagelthorn), the Central Office Staff, the Buford Board of Education, and Fine Arts Director Dr. Tim Harris for your continued support of theatre education and for championing creativity across Buford City Schools.
To my amazing teacher crew — Jenna McElroy, Jennifer LaPietra, and Lisa Varini — your energy, genuine care, and individual talents have truly brought this jungle to life!
Thank you, Mrs. Vicky Dasher, for your patience as we find our way with creating this program!
A special thanks to my BSA mentors — Mindy Black (TOTY) and Carrie Davis. The BSA faculty and staff for their support, and these ladies, for their help throughout the process: Erin Anderson, Amy Fleming, Phoebe Walton, Emily Stewart, and Kristin McGraw.
Thank you to the Buford High School Theatre Directors, Leila Bowman and Drew Doss, and Buford Middle School Theatre Directors, Bailey and Stacey MacPherson, for your mentorship that beautifully bridges the stages of Buford. Thank you also to the Buford High School theatre students who dedicated their time and talent to the Drama Den!
To my wonderful parents, Dr. Damita and Marvin L. James ll — thank you for listening to me, supporting me at every turn, and for introducing me to the stage. You planted the seed for everything I do today. I am so grateful.
A heartfelt thank you as well to all the theatre educators, friends, directors, castmates, and mentors who have guided, challenged, and encouraged me along the way. Your impact lives in every rehearsal and every performance.
And finally, to every actor, parent, and teacher who gave 110% to make this production shine, thank you for your enthusiasm, creativity, and heart. You’ve shown that with teamwork and imagination, we can make any jungle roar!
I, Ms. James, Love You and Mean It! I can not wait for the future of this program and the future of fine arts, especially theatre, in Buford City Schools.
Please enjoy Disney's The Jungle Book KIDS, where the bare necessities of life will come to you!
