Sartell High School Set to Debut Children’s Theatre

(KNSI) – Sartell High School will see the curtain rise on its first-ever children’s theatre later this month.

Based on the best-selling series by author Mo Willems, students will bring the beloved Elephant and Piggie characters to life. The play is an hour long and aimed at kindergartners through second grade. Senior Ellena Ashby says performing for kids is different than their standard audience but a challenge she is ready to take on.

“Oh, absolutely! It changes almost every aspect of the theater. We have to anticipate how the audience will react in a different way than we’re used to. We have to direct our set, our props, our vocals, our choreography to be for this younger audience.”

They even have to change their facial expressions to be more exaggerated.

Fellow senior Lindsey Nelson has been in the school choir since fifth grade. As part of only five cast members in Elephant and Piggie’s We’re In a Play!, she is excited to bring out its colorful, fun message through song. Nelson talks about how the experience compares to some of the more serious works the Sabre theatre group puts on each year.

“It’s a fun way to express yourself, not only by showing what you can do but also by using emotional inflection. I do love the one-act here at Sartell because it is so easy to dive into your own emotions, but as a part of this show, I think singing is my favorite part.”

Oak Ridge and Meadow View students in kindergarten through second grades will be reading the Elephant and Piggie books in the weeks leading up to the shows. Then, they will be bused over to the high school for a special matinee.

The production is meant to engage the district’s youngest students and get them excited about being a part of theatre as they grow older. Public performances are scheduled for the 18th and 19th. Tickets are only $7 for adults and $5 for students. All proceeds go directly to the theatre program.

The show is directed by Kelli Killmer. The children’s theatre production means Sartell students now put on four plays each year.

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