Mary Poppins Cast Teach Summit Elementary-school Students “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious“
Over 50 Summit elementary-school students with a flair for the dramatic participated in an evening of song and dance as they were taught “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious“ by Summit High School Mary Poppins’ cast members on February 17.
Students from all of Summit’s elementary schools were invited by the Mary Poppins’ Educational Outreach team to the free workshop. Attendees were asked to contribute “tuppence,” to be donated to Family Promise, a local organization which helps families in need. The collection ties in with the “family” theme of Mary Poppins being promoted to the community. Over $200 was raised for Family Promise; the drive will continue during the performances, which will run March 2-6.
Before the workshop, students drew “Let’s Go Fly a Kite”-shaped illustrations of an activity they loved doing with their family. These will be displayed throughout the high school during the performances.
The students danced, acted, and sang during workshops led by Anne Poyner, director; Kelly Mott-Sacks, choreographer; and by cast members.
“So many of our talented high schoolers developed their love of theater on our elementary school stages,” said Poyner. “I am sure that some future Summit High School stars joined us on Thursday evening.”
“We feel it is our responsibility to nurture the love of theatre in our younger students as we teach them about the audition process, and how to perform,” she said.
The elementary students were filled with questions about auditioning, rehearsals, and technical aspects of the musical. At the conclusion of the workshop, they performed what they had learned for their parents.
The event was part of the Educational Impact program, which connects the musical to the school district’s curriculum, using the production as a teaching tool for the greater student body and local community. Other parts of this effort included a town-wide “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” building day with professional kite flyers, and the district-wide tuppence drive to spread awareness about need in the Summit community.
(above) Educational Outreach Team and the cast of Mary Poppins held a theatre workshop for about 50 Summit elementary students last week.
