At the Episcopal School of Dallas, the production of Oliver! is bridging a decade-long gap by reuniting the middle and upper school theater programs, reports Kate Lewis in the school’s student newspaper.
While the rehearsal process for this 1968 classic has been marked by what Performing Arts Department Chair Lauren Redmond calls “vocal chaos” and the energetic chatter of younger students, the resulting environment has fostered a unique brand of mentorship. The “daunting” barrier between fifth graders and seniors is dissolving as students from both divisions spend hours together blocking scenes and studying lines.
The heart of this connectivity is found in the unlikely friendships between seasoned high schoolers and the production’s youngest leads. Junior William Elliot and fifth grader Sebastian Cupp, who plays the titular Oliver Twist, have developed a close bond through their frequent scenes together.
This off-stage comfort translates directly into a more compelling on-stage performance; as the cast grows more familiar with one another, their acting becomes more grounded and intuitive.
For seniors like Evelyn Hargrave, watching the younger students take on leading roles is a source of profound motivation. Remembering her own nerves as a fifth grader, Hargrave noted the immense courage required for middle schoolers to “show up” alongside high school peers.
This cycle of inspiration turned the cast’s initial nerves into collective excitement, and the department expanded the production to six shows to accommodate the growing buzz around this cross-divisional collaboration.
Ultimately, the “chaos” of Oliver! has proven to be a productive force, creating a “sisterhood and brotherhood” of performers who might never have interacted in a traditional school day, resulting in a show that’s not just a display of talent but a testament to the relationships built during long, lively rehearsal hours.