The Great and Powerful Oz to land at Mitchell Senior Middle School

Mitchell Senior Middle School’s drama department will be putting on its spring play, “The Wizard Of Oz,” on April 29.

The 45-minute production will be presented in the Mitchell cafeteria, starting at 8 p.m, with doors opening at 7. The suggested donation for entrance is $1 and all proceeds will go toward funding the drama program.

“I think being in this play is a great opportunity for me,” said Addison Calip, 12, in an email to the Sun-Star. “ I have been in two other plays this year in the MSE drama class and can’t wait to be in this all-school production.”

Mitchell Senior has had an after-school drama program, but this is the first year an elective course in drama has been offered. Austin Worden, who has been teaching for 10 years, is the drama teacher.

“They’re getting a more extensive introduction to theater,” said Worden.

This is the fourth time Worden has directed “The Wizard of Oz” in a middle-school setting. He said students had to audition, and they’ve been rehearsing during lunch periods and after school since early February.

“I think it’s neat to see students wholeheartedly putting themselves into the show,” said Worden. “That’s the greatest reward of sharing my love of theater with this age group.”

Worden said he’s grateful for the support from the staff at Mitchell Senior, saying they all encourage the arts and theater.

“Being in this show will be the perfect way to end my eighth-grade year here at Mitchell Senior,” said Emmaleigh Irish, 14. “I am very excited to perform in front of my peers as Dorothy.”

This story was originally published April 15, 2016 at 10:42 AM with the headline "The Great and Powerful Oz to land at Mitchell Senior Middle School."