A dedicated team of Grade 10 and 12 Drama students at T.A. Blakelock High School wrote, performed and directed an original production for hundreds of elementary students and students in the Community Pathway Program (CPP). Titled The Grumpy Scientists’ Enchanted Adventure, the play was written and performed by Grade 10 students and written and directed by Grade 12 students.
Nearly all of T.A. Blakelock’s feeder schools attended, with an audience of approximately 800 students over two days on Wednesday, May 24 and Friday, May 26.
"The play went fantastically well. I'm incredibly proud of the Grade 10s for their wonderful performance. They worked hard and took risks with their performances, and as a result, created awesome characters for a great play. The kids loved the play too! They were so engaged in the story, and eager to participate,” says Micah Burgess, Grade 12 student and Drama Director for the play. “This play was an amazing experience for both the Grade 10s and 12s because this was our first time doing children's theatre in front of live audiences full of kids."
"Grade 10 students, Grade 12 directors, and of course, our teacher Mrs. Gonçalves put in a lot of hard work,” says Abbey Whittington, a Grade 10 student. “Throughout the creation process, we made lasting connections and new friendships. The energy from the kids in the audience was incredible and made everyone feel accomplished after all our hard work. I am so proud to be part of this team."
An important component of this project is its connection to the
HDSB’s 2020-2024 Multi-Year Plan. Through the ‘Equity and Inclusion’ and ‘Learning and Achievement’ areas of focus, this student-led, project-based initiative promotes equity, community and personal growth, providing students with authentic opportunities to elevate their skills, confidence and achievement.
“I am very proud of this group of creative and dedicated students,” says Sylvia Gonçalves, Drama Teacher. “They worked exhaustively to complete this project in a month, preparing all the onstage and backstage elements in class and on their own time. They wrote and performed The Grumpy Scientists’ Enchanted Adventure for a total of almost 800 students.”
“This was a vibrant and fun-filled show with messages of inclusion, forgiveness, and acceptance. It had our young audiences cheering, yelling, laughing, and dancing throughout. This project was an invaluable learning experience and provided an opportunity to connect with our wider HDSB community, fostering great school spirit and pride.”
