Middle and high school drama students from around the county gathered on October 21 for improv and some fabulous performances at Monticello High School, thanks to the organizational skills and hosting of Madeline Michel.

Throughout the day, drama students from Albemarle and Monticello high schools lead improv activities through such games as Freeze, Validate, Party Quirks, and Park Bench. Hilarity ensued as students got acquainted with one another amidst enthusiastic audience participation.

In between the improv games, all three of our comprehensive high schools performed plays for the audience. Western’s performance of How to Eat Like a Child, based on the book by Delia Ephron, left the audience laughing at the relatable scenarios and swooning at the beautiful vocals. Albemarle’s dramatic performance of Hamlet kept the audience on the edge of their seats, while Monticello performers brought us to tears from laughing at their rendition of Tardy.

Henley brought us the lone middle school performance of the day with Ten Reasons Not to Be in a Play, shortened to six reasons due to time constraints. The Henley players held their own and performed as impressively as our talented high schoolers.

At the end of the day, a middle school student was overheard saying, “I can’t wait to be in high school. I am sooo going to be in drama.” It’s responses like this that remind us not only of how much wonderful talent abounds in our county, but also that All County Drama Day and similar activities inspire our students to continue pursuing their passions and exploring their potential.

Post submitted by Katie McKinley, Art & Drama Teacher, Burley Middle School