Greetings Families, Friends, and ITDS Community,
With great anticipation, pride, and excitement, I am thrilled to welcome you to our second schoolwide production, Peter Pan Jr. at Inspired Teaching Demonstration School.
As we move into the magic and mystique of these performances, I will start by sharing some of the behind-the-scenes intentionality and history that makes us so #ITDSproud of this wonderfully student-centered production.
- In our commitment to equity and celebration of this new ITDS tradition, all students and staff will have the opportunity to see Peter Pan Jr. during daytime matinee shows.
- Our cast includes both elementary and middle school students. Elementary cast members include students from 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade. Middle school students (5-8) have the opportunity to audition for lead roles.
- Middle school cast members take theater, music, and dance elective classes during the school day to practice and prepare for the production. It allows all interested students to have access to participate and maintain commitments to other extracurricular and/or after-school activities.
- Our production is student-led and centered! Leadership roles to manage backstage costume changes, transitions, microphone checks, and more are ALL led by students.
March has become my favorite month of the year - it is a long month but here at ITDS it is filled with such great energy and hope as I think about the promise, delight, wonder, and growth of our students - both in and outside of the classroom. We just wrapped up Learning Showcase, our second schoolwide celebration of learning on March 7th, and here we are with another amazing celebration of the arts. It’s such a busy time of year – our version of March madness – with all of the logistical shifts, practices, and preparation for opening our doors for six performances. Here we are - and it’s SHOWTIME!
As someone who spends most of my time during the show backstage, I can assure you that the contagious joy you feel in the audience while watching the show is EVERYWHERE! From the students assigned to support set transitions, lighting, makeup design, and more - to the four-year-olds who spot a middle schooler in the hallway and say “That’s Peter Pan!” - the magic of this production inspires our school community for weeks to come.
Before I sign off and settle in backstage for tonight’s show, I want to send a HUGE thank you to Ms. Marshall, Mr. Washington, and Ms. Kearney for ALL of the hard work, adjustments, and long hours they’ve contributed to making this magnificent production possible.
To our staff, thank you for all the countless ways you’ve volunteered to support our students and our school community to make space for our students to shine.
In closing, I will share some inspiration from J.M. Barrie, author of Peter Pan.
“What if I fall? Oh but darling what if you fly?"
To our cast and crew, it is your time to fly! This is your moment - embrace it!
Best,
Dr. Riggins
Head of School
