The production of a high school musical is often the single most expensive undertaking for a fine arts department, frequently costing tens of thousands of dollars in licensing fees, professional “pit” musicians, specialized choreographers, and so on.
But as a report by Sydney Moss at Chamblee High School in Georgia illustrates for the school’s production of Mean Girls last month, these costs are seen not as an expense but as an investment in a “laboratory” for student growth, self-confidence, and a collective growth mindset.
The “Stress Test” for Growth Mindset
A growth mindset — the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work — is baked into the “rushed” and high-pressure nature of theater. Chamblee student Liz Yang captured this when reflecting on the chaotic final weeks of preparation.
“The last two weeks of preparation seemed very rushed … Considering this, I think we all thought the final performances came together in a really nice way,” Sydney quoted her as saying.
This transition from “extreme worry” to a polished final product teaches students that resilience and collaborative problem-solving can overcome even the most daunting technical hurdles.
Building Real-World Confidence through Mastery
While the school’s mission is academic, the stage provides a rare arena for “quick-twitch” professional skills. For student Trenton Callaway, the challenge wasn’t just acting, but the logistical mastery of rapid costume changes.
“I have a lot of costume changes, which has been a challenge because I have to switch outfits so quickly … However, I know the changes will only get better as we continue to perform,” he told Sydney.
This internal drive to improve through repetition is a primary goal of the modern educator, shifting the focus from “natural talent” to “practiced skill.”
The Mission of Belonging and Community
Schools invest in these productions because they create a sense of belonging that few other activities can match. Noa Robertson highlighted the social-emotional value of the “tech week” dinners.
“When tech week started, the cast and crew all started eating dinner together. We formed friendships with each other.” Liz echoed this sentiment, noting the profound psychological impact of shared effort: “There’s something about sharing the stage with another person that bonds you together. Chamblee Onstage is such an amazing place to spend your time, and everyone is so supportive.”
Authenticity and Embodiment
Finally, high school musicals allow students to “embody” adult themes in ways that provide perspective on their own lives. Senior Grace Graham observed that having actual teens play the roles of Mean Girls — rather than adult actors — added a layer of authenticity to the storytelling:
“I felt like they were able to embody the feeling of blowing things out of proportion, which contributed to the overall feeling from the audience,” she said. This self-reflection is a key component of emotional intelligence, a core tenet of most school district missions.
Mean Girls (High School Version) is currently the most-licensed musical of 2026. If you’re in the Maryland or Illinois areas, you can catch the “plastics” at these upcoming school productions:
| City | High School | Performance Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Spring, MD | Montgomery Blair H.S. | March 20–22, 2026 |
| Severna Park, MD | Severna Park H.S. | April 10–12, 2026 |
| Naperville, IL | Naperville North H.S. | March 13–15, 2026 |
| Evanston, IL | Evanston Township H.S. | April 17–19, 2026 |
The “Big Five” of 2026:
- Mean Girls (High School Version) – Exploring social dynamics and redemption.
- The Addams Family – A perennial favorite for its ensemble flexibility.
- Newsies – Highly popular for its athletic choreography and “growth mindset” themes.
- Legally Blonde – Celebrating perseverance and defying stereotypes.
- Alice by Heart – A rising 2026 favorite for its imaginative, abstract staging.