The Theatre II class is embarking on their yearly trip to elementary schools and middle schools with a new show — but this time, there’s a spin on the script. 

Every year, the Theater II classes at Potomac Falls High School do a class field trip to perform at elementary schools around the district. On Dec. 16, drama students are going to Horizon, Countryside, and Algonkian to perform their show called “Pond Dwellers.” 

“Pond Dwellers” is a 20-minute play about turtles and frogs battling for their ownership of a pond. “The frogs and turtles are rivals because they both want the pond, but we decided that Frogeo and Turtelete had some common ground, so they are both trying to push for peace. They come together and unite the two groups. They do get married at the end,” said junior Rachel Siegler who plays the role of Turtlete. 

“Pond Dwellers” was originally written by Kelly Savage, but the Theatre II class took a condensed 10-minute version of the play by Rachel Wickham and adapted it into a 20-minute piece.

However, the assignment this year is somewhat different as the students of the Theatre II class were able to edit the script and help finish writing and editing it to their liking. “My kids added a little ‘Romeo and Juliet’ element. There is Frogeo and Turtlete. They are both from the feuding family; it’s very faint because we are showcasing this to elementary school kids that are not very knowledgeable in Shakespeare history,” said Corinne Fox who teaches Theatre II. 

Sophomore Liam Tully plays Frogeo and helped in the creation of the new story. “I really liked helping create the script and story. It definitely makes the performance feel more personal and fun. I would definitely want to write more in the future, with some help,” said Tully.

Siegler used her experience in Speech and Debate Club to help cut the script. “[Writing the script] was so much fun. Back in sixth grade, I wanted to be a script writer. I am in Speech and Debate, so I am constantly cutting my own pieces, so I was aware of what I was doing,” said Siegler. “With Ms. Fox’s feedback on the script, it was good to see what worked and what did not work in script writing. I will definitely take that away for the future scripts I get to edit.” 

The original script for “Pond Dwellers” wasn’t long enough to showcase, so the students took matters into their own hands and finished writing the play to make it fit. “I think it is a great opportunity for them with a show like this because there are no high stakes. Our audience is elementary school kids, [so] we want to make it funny and entertaining,” said Fox. “At the end of the day, if it’s not deep and meaningful, that’s ok. I think this is a good project for them, especially if they are not too comfortable with script writing, to make them get a better understanding.”

The cast of 20 students consists of both Theater II students and Tech students. These students have been preparing for roughly a month now, rehearsing dances and getting ready to perform. “The rehearsals are super casual and fun,” said Tully.  “I’m really excited about going to the elementary schools because I really like performing and performing in front of a fun audience like this would definitely make it a lot more fun. I’m definitely a little nervous, but I’m always nervous when I perform.”

After showcasing their performance of “Pond Dwellers” to the elementary schoolers, the students will head to River Bend Middle School to help the cast of “Matilda Jr.” set up for their in school performance. 

“We get to advertise to join the theatre next year in high school, so the rising freshmen could have familiar faces if they decide to continue doing theatre in high school,” said Siegler.

“By going to the middle and elementary schools, it helps build a sense of community and build a long term awareness about the program and build interest when they are really young,” said Fox. 

This assignment not only allows students to get an understanding of acting in front of an audience but also writing scripts, working as a team, and taking a peek into how the bigger productions work at Potomac Falls. 

“I hope I can take away what it’s like performing for a younger audience instead of mostly teens or adults like I do in theatre. And the most basic of jokes can get the best laugh. I’m really excited to perform for the elementary schools,” said Tully.