Students in Rossville Middle/High School’s Creative Dramatics and Theatre classes wrapped up the school year with their annual class play performances, an end-of-year tradition that gives students hands-on experience in all aspects of theatrical production.
Beginning shortly after returning from spring break, students spend several weeks preparing their productions, taking on responsibilities that include acting, directing, and technical theatre work. The performances, held during the final week of school, showcase students’ creativity and collaboration in grades 6 through 12.
This year’s performance began on Wednesday, May 13, when scheduling adjustments moved the 8th-grade and high school productions earlier in the week.
The 8th grade presented When Bad Things Happen to Good Actors, a comedy in the classic “play that goes wrong” style, featuring backstage mishaps, missed cues, and theatrical chaos. The production was student-directed by Lyon Cree and Konnor Oswalt.
The high school theatre class followed with Every Novel You Read in High School (in 30 Minutes or Less…), a fast-paced, comedic spoof of classic literature that condensed familiar classroom readings into an energetic, exaggerated farce. Directed by theatre instructor Jason Newhouser, the production featured several senior students, many of whom were making their first appearance in an evening theatre production.
On Friday, May 15, the 6th- and 7th-grade productions drew a crowd of nearly 400.
The 6th grade opened the evening with Supervillains Anonymous, a comedy about a support group for former villains trying to leave their evil pasts behind. Directed by student Delaney Hammann, the production featured many first-time performers taking the stage for a live audience.
The 7th grade followed with 6–7 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse, a high-energy comedy offering hilariously questionable advice for surviving the end of the world. Student directors Savannah Juarez and Delilah Wagner led a cast filled with energetic performances, including a memorable group of over-the-top zombie characters.
“These performances bring theatre to life in a way the classroom alone cannot,” said theatre instructor Jason Newhouser. “Students can study scripts, acting techniques, and production concepts, but there is nothing quite like performing for a live audience. It builds confidence, creativity, and teamwork in a powerful way.”
The performances are followed each year by a cast celebration, another favorite Rossville tradition. After Friday’s performances, students gathered for pizza, games, open gym activities, and time together to celebrate the end of the production season.
Newhouser said the event’s continued success depends heavily on strong parent and community support.
“Our families and community members make these experiences possible,” he said. “From attending performances to volunteering and helping with celebrations, their support means everything to our students.”
Students interested in joining Rossville’s theatre program can participate through Creative Dramatics and Theatre courses offered at the middle and high school levels.
