Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools’ Summer Enrichment Musical Theatre program will put on their production of Annie at Mount Tabor High School on July 14-16.
Every summer, dozens of artists from schools throughout the district unite to mount their biggest show of the year. This year’s team features 59 actors, eight technicians, and 15 members of the orchestra, all supported by volunteers who help make sure direction, choreography, sound and lighting, set design, and more come together. It’s a rare chance for students to collaborate on their craft with peers and instructors outside of their own schools.
“Theatre is the amazing arts area that combines elements from all visual and performing arts,” said Eugene Mabry, the district’s program manager for music and theatre. “Plus, Summer Enrichment provides an opportunity for collaboration between students and instructors from different schools in the area.”
This year’s musical is Annie, which follows the titular character’s adoption and journey to find family during the peak of the Great Depression in New York City. The show lends itself well to large ensembles, and the cast has had a blast perfecting lavish group numbers together. Layne Maggard from East Forsyth High School, who plays the role of Star-to-Be, is a regular for the program, and she says working in a group this big is great for building solidarity.
“Theatre has open arms for everyone,” Maggard said. “You always leave feeling like a family. Nobody gets left behind.”
The program only lasts six weeks each summer, giving the cast and crew a tight timetable to memorize lines, perfect blocking, erect sets, and make sure they have a presentable end product. Fortunately, everyone is energized by the group, and they always end the summer with a show they can be proud of. Choreographer Amelia Hailey says that she works with the program because of how affirming it is to see students learn to collaborate and build lasting friendships.
“What’s really rewarding about it is the energy these students bring to each other,” Hailey said. “There’s a sense of camaraderie that keeps them coming back year after year.”
That camaraderie is an inspiration to students that makes them glad to be a part of WS/FCS. Even for those who’ve never had an interest in theatre before, Summer Enrichment Musical Theatre gives them a chance to discover and hone new talents and share them with their whole community. For those who are deeply passionate about the arts, it can be a truly life-changing experience.
“This is the first place where I ever did theatre, and the older kids here were mentors for me,” said Chadwick Holmes from West Forsyth High School, who plays Rooster Hannigan in the show. “Now I’m going to be doing theatre in college, and it’s partly because of this.”
The curtain rises on Annie at 7 pm at Mount Tabor High School on July 14-16. Tickets are $5.