Middle Schoolers Captivate Audience in Anastasia (Youth Edition)

Last weekend, SCH Spotlights (Middle School Drama, 6-8) presented Anastasia: The Musical (Youth Edition) as its mainstage production, with the Limelights (Middle School Drama, 5) opening the show with their pre-show, Revolution Revue.

This was the Spotlights' largest production to date! This year featured 100 students, with 80 in the Spotlight cast and crew and 20 in Limelights. Since early October, students dedicated more than 125 hours to rehearsal, showing incredible focus, growth, and commitment. We were excited to welcome audiences across three packed performances, with a total of 825 people coming out to support the students and celebrate the show, making it a true community event.

The production was made possible by an amazing team of adults who helped bring the show to life. Producer Jeanine Braak created beautiful costumes and color design that helped our students truly shine on stage. Music Director Terrance Hart shaped the musical sound of the show, bringing emotional depth and musical energy to every performance. Assistant Director Amy Miller-Mandel kept everything running smoothly behind the scenes, helping students stay organized with headshots, makeup, hair, and quick backstage costume changes.

Technical Director Daria Maidenbaum guided high-quality lighting, sound, spotlights, and student light board operators while also capturing wonderful production photos. Choreographers Jess Tiffany and Dorothy Sasso created fun, energetic, and memorable movement that quickly became one of the students’ favorite parts of the show.

The Limelight cast grew in confidence and stage presence under the leadership of Jennifer Caraballo and Dorothy Sasso, bringing joy and enthusiasm to our youngest performers. Director Heidi Painter shared, “I am so very proud of the students’ hard work and dedication. This is one of the most challenging shows we’ve ever done, and our amazing students rose to the occasion; they made MAGIC!”

Beyond performance skills, students learned resilience, teamwork, and preparation, understanding that small mistakes are part of live theatre. They practiced staying positive, managing rehearsal demands alongside schoolwork, and supporting one another on and off stage. Most importantly, students experienced a strong sense of belonging, friendship, and family within the drama program.