Students Play Leading Role in “Kids’ Night Out”

Madison, WI (May 4, 2010) – On Wednesday, May 5 students from Wingra School will present a series of plays that are written, cast, directed, performed and crewed by students.

“It is a unique collaboration among multi-aged students resulting in a fabulous outpouring of playful drama,” says Wingra art teacher Barbara Westfall.

Each year, students age 9-14 write performance pieces at Wingra. Students can then choose whether or not to submit the piece for Kids’ Night Out. Once plays are submitted and directors chosen, students sign up to audition. Not all plays make it to the stage. If the play has enough actors, it’s a “go”.

Students interested in directing meet several times to coordinate auditions and to prepare for their leadership role. “It’s hard,” says Camille, a Wingra student, “because we don’t want people to just cast their friends.” She adds, “Sometimes is it difficult to find the right actor for a part so we cast people who are interested in the play but auditioned for a different part.”

Although there is ample adult support, KNO is a kid-run event. “It’s rewarding,” says Wingra Teacher, Dawn Liska-Tollefson, “because it is essentially theirs.” Class time is used for writing, editing, and presenting plays. The auditions, directors’ meetings and rehearsals all take place during students’ lunch and recess time.

This year, students will be presenting 15 plays in one evening. It will inevitably be one of the highlights of their school experience. Amidst all of the drama, excitement, and frustration there will be joy and pride. The performance is truly of, for and by the kids. “The adults don’t always get it,” laughs Westfall, “and that’s okay.”

Wingra School is a small, independent day school providing a progressive education for children ages 5-14 in the Madison area since 1972. For more information, visit our website at http://www.wingraschool.org or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.