Curtains Up! EDS on Stage

At Episcopal Day, the stage isn't just a platform—it's a launchpad for creativity, collaboration, and confidence. This year, our talented students have taken to the stage in two incredible productions, showcasing their talents, skills, musical and artistic prowess, power, and the importance of dramatic arts in building creative leaders. 

In late April, our fourth graders dazzled all of us with their comedic re-enactment of "How NOT to be a Wizard," a tale of a wizarding school's search for a new professor of magic. Directed by our Lower School Music Teacher, Dace Samta, the students spent weeks preparing, resulting in a hilariously chaotic performance that had the entire audience laughing.

But the magic didn't stop at acting. Our young thespians were involved in every aspect of production. With the help of our MakerSpace teacher Tony Luong, Mia N. created the artwork that you might have seen up and around our school to promote the show, while Will B. designed a fun program cover. Behind the scenes, our Fourth Grade Assistant Teacher, Mr. Perlas, and our Lower School Spanish Teacher, Senora Grana, ensured smooth transitions, and students worked together to create a seamless performance that had some taking on upwards of three roles a piece!

We owe a special thank you to Mr. Elefante and Mr. Delgado for their sound engineering expertise and assistance in setting up the space, as well as to Barbara and Doug Burke, whose work on our backdrop transformed our JBH stage. None of this would have been possible without the support and guidance of our fourth-grade teaching team, Mrs. Koblis and Ms. Osterlund.

Following the magic of our fourth graders' production though, over 60 of our middle schoolers performed and executed a musical rendition of "Fiddler on the Roof Jr.” directed by our Middle School Drama Teacher, Thomas Bazar. Our students transported audiences to the heart of Anatevka and told the story of Tevye, a Jewish milkman, and his family as they navigate the challenges of tradition, love, and change in the face of social upheaval.

Performed over two nights in our JBH space, the show was a full house on both occasions, and students delivered incredibly profound and musically impressive performances that left audiences in awe. Eighth grader Arthur S. shone brightly in the lead role, embodying the spirit and struggles of Tevye, and much like their younger peers, our middle school students were deeply involved in every facet of the production, from set design and stage management to choreography. Their dedication and teamwork were evident in every scene, song, and dance. 

The audience also watched several of our eighth graders - Lucy, Jackie, Brenden, Katie, and Adi - take the stage for the last time as Episcopal Day students, and it was a joy to reflect on all of the ways they’ve grown throughout their journeys with us. We of course can’t forget eighth graders Quinn and Declan who stage managed and choreographed the performance working backstage to help bring the show and its many moving pieces to life. 

Performing arts programs and opportunities are vital educational experiences that nurture our students' growth in numerous ways, and participation in these programs not only fosters creativity and enhances communication skills but also helps Episcopal Day students build confidence. It teaches students the value of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance while providing a platform for self-expression. We believe that a well-rounded curriculum includes and encourages opportunities for students to learn comfort in the spotlight, be it backstage helping to make the magic happen or onstage engaging directly with the audience. But, beyond comfort in the spotlight, engaging in the arts helps all of our students foster a sense of achievement and build on diverse skill sets that extend beyond the classroom. 

These artistic experiences not only enrich their academic journey but also prepare them for future success, no matter the path they choose. 

We are incredibly proud of our students' achievements and grateful for the support of our dedicated teachers, staff, parents and guardians who make these productions possible. 

Click here to watch the fourth grade performance of “How NOT to be a Wizard”. 

Click here to watch the middle schoolers’ performance of “Fiddler on the Roof Jr” .