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It’s become a tradition at Calvary Pre-school to have South Pasadena High School drama students act out children’s books as families gather to picnic under the stars. Pre-schoolers and their families arrived early to create and decorate stars to hang around the lawn and to welcome the local stars of South Pasadena High School drama department.
The drama students, led by drama teacher, Nick Hoffa, chose several favorite children’s books to act out; stories they not only thought the little ones would enjoy but also that were nostalgic for them. Senior Mateo Diez impressed his fellow thespians when he recited from memory the words to Click Clack Moo, the story of cows who go on strike. They performed the books The Napping House, Frog and Toad, Click Clack Moo, Don’t Fidget a Feather, and Stanley’s Wild Ride.
In each story, the students chose some of the pre-schoolers to act with them, much to the delight of the children and their parents. The drama students have traditionally done this evening in the fall as well as in the spring.
Meanwhile, Mr. Hoffa expanded the show to include a performance for the kindergartners at Marengo elementary which was also received with much squealing and giggling especially at the hilarious performance of Allan Ma as the crow in Don’t Fidget a Feather.
The kids, both little and big, enjoyed the whole experience and are sure to continue the tradition. Sophomore Gracie Chavez tells us “performing for the kindergarteners was awesome! I loved seeing the excitement and anticipation on their faces while we performed. So fun!”
Mr. Hoffa adds, “in addition to it being incredibly fun, it is also great acting training. Kids can tell when an actor is being real. Yes, you might be a dog, but if the kid doesn’t believe you are a dog, they will just wander off. You need to be committed to the role. And when you are, there is no better audience than little ones.”
Be on the lookout for the Spring edition of Stories Under The Stars.
SPHS Drama presents their fall production of Almost, Maine December 1-9. Tickets are on sale now. Their spring production will be Addams Family!
