Eighth Graders Showcase Their Talents in The Little Mermaid

Since the start of the school year, eighth graders in production design have been working on bringing The Little Mermaid to life. Months of planning, creativity, and collaboration culminated during the final week of January, when students presented four performances for fellow students, faculty, staff, and families.

The journey began in September, when the class selected the show and began shaping the production from the ground up. Students took the lead at every stage, assigning roles, memorizing lines, developing choreography, and designing sets and costumes. They also handled backstage elements, including stage management and transitions, making this truly a student-driven production. Throughout the process, students were supported and guided by music teacher David Olson.

The performances unfolded over the course of the week, each audience bringing its own energy and excitement. On January 27, Maternelle students enjoyed the first live performance, and the following day, Lower School students attended, creating an excellent opportunity for cross-division connections. On January 29, the eighth graders performed for their peers in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade, and the production concluded on Friday night with a final performance for family and friends.

The production was a meaningful learning experience for the eighth graders. Bringing a show to the stage required collaboration, clear communication, and shared decision-making. For many students, the process also revealed new talents and passions, both onstage and behind the scenes. Performing for a live audience encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones, embodying the IB Learner Profile trait of being a risk-taker and showcasing the confidence and growth they’ve developed along the way