Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools’ Summer Enrichment Program is capping off their annual theatre production project by putting on The Little Mermaid at Mount Tabor High School next week.
A decades-old WS/FCS tradition, the Summer Enrichment Program enlists the talents of students from all over the district to mount a musical production unlike anything available to them during the regular school year. This year’s program, graciously hosted by Mount Tabor High School, will feature 72 students from 24 schools among its cast and crew, a robust team that allows for more ambitious shows to come to life. Collaborating with such a diverse collection of drama enthusiasts brings a unique and wonderful energy to the program that makes the district’s thespians excited to return every year.
“It’s the people that keep me coming back,” said East Forsyth High School Senior Sawyer Wemyss, who is participating in her sixth year with the program in the role of Arista. “It’s incredible when you get to work with so many people from so many different schools.”
Based on the Disney musical of the same name, The Little Mermaid follows the story of the mermaid princess Ariel as she seeks love above the ocean’s surface and struggles against the plotting of the sea witch Ursula. It’s a familiar tale full of memorable musical moments for students who grew up watching the movie. Reynolds High School Junior Nylah Lee, who plays Ariel in the show, has been able to latch onto relatable elements in the character and is excited to portray her own rendition.
“I really love Ariel as a character,” Lee said. “She has a love of singing and she has a drive to go after what she wants.”
The crew for the show got to work starting on June 10, and the cast joined them a week later. That means that devising the entire production and its performances, music, lights, sound, sets, costumes, and more had to get done in just over a month of preparation time. It’s a much brisker pace than students are used to in their school drama programs, but it’s been a rewarding experience to dedicate so much effort and focus into a common goal. Coming out on the other side of the experience, they feel more capable than ever at their crafts.
“I’ve never done a show so quickly, but we’ve got a great community here to do it with,” said Haikem Southerland, a fresh graduate of Reagan High School who plays Prince Eric. “You feel like you’re learning a lot in a very short amount of time.”
Another positive aspect of the shortened schedule is that there’s plenty of work to go around, and that’s great news for students interested in polishing their talents in drama. Whether they’re interested in acting, choreography, set design, prop work, audio technology, or any other aspect of the theatrical experience, Summer Enrichment provides everybody with a chance to shine. Even something as simple as acting in the ensemble is a vital and valuable part of the experience.
“If you don’t want a big part, ensemble can be perfect for you,” said Wiley Middle School Seventh Grader Samantha Falsis, a member of the show’s chorus. “Everyone can be who they want to be here.”
Administrator Robert Johnston says that the Summer Enrichment Program is a vital tool for building both resumes and community connections among the district’s theatre students. He’s thankful to Principal Donald Wyatt from Mount Tabor for offering their performance space and to the numerous parents and community members who have volunteered to help make this year’s production special. Now, there’s just one more show of support that everyone can offer the program – coming out next week to enjoy the show.
“The students are very proud of the work they’ve done, and their parents and the community have been very supportive of them,” Johnston said. “We expect to see a very full house next week.”
The curtain rises on The Little Mermaid at Mount Tabor High School on Monday, July 15, Tuesday, July 16, and Wednesday, July 17 at 7 pm each night. There will also be a Tuesday morning performance held for students participating in other facets of the Summer Enrichment Program. Tickets are $5 at the door.