On Friday, March 27, and Saturday, March 28, Legacy Elementary students took to the stage for their production of Finding Nemo. These productions are a powerful display of student talent, and play a strong role in preparing students for future opportunities.
While the two hour-long shows are the public element of the production, they provide just a small glimpse into the significant efforts put forward by students, teachers, staff, and community members alike. To ensure the shows were performed at the highest possible level, students rehearsed before school three times each week starting in mid-November.
Caleb Smith, the music teacher at Legacy Elementary who also directs the musicals, said the most rewarding part is inspiring students and watching them develop a passion for performing.
“I hope students gain confidence, cooperation, and a sense of belonging in theatre,” Smith said. “I love teaching students to sing, act, and dance, and when they leave my program, I want them to take that into everything they do, from sports, work, or academics,” he added.
Smith also highlighted that the show was a coordinated effort between volunteers and students, but the students took the lead on nearly every element of the show.
“We had a lot of backstage volunteers helping coordinate things, but students ran the show,” Smith said. “I often had volunteers backstage just standing and enjoying the show while the cast took control and made the show their own,” Smith added.
Finding Nemo was Smith’s third final show at Legacy, and he reflected on what makes productions such as this one special. “It’s special because it’s a launching point for the future of these students in musical theatre and beyond,” Smith explained.
Providing students with opportunities to perform in theatre productions, particularly at the elementary level, gives students a competitive advantage for future opportunities they may pursue within St. Vrain and beyond.