Pictured are seventh and eighth grade Tioga Middle School students performing in the play, “The Bold, the Young, and the Murdered.” Scheduled on two evenings, Friday, March 18 and Saturday, March 19, both shows start at 7 p.m. at the 27 Fifth Ave. school location in Tioga Center, N.Y. Tickets are $2 each and will be sold at the door. Proceeds benefit future activities of the drama club. (Provided photo)
Seventh and eighth grade drama club students at the Tioga Middle School will perform in the play, “The Bold, the Young, and the Murdered,” scheduled on two evenings, Friday, March 18 and Saturday, March 19. Both shows start at 7 p.m. at the 27 Fifth Ave. school location in Tioga Center, N.Y.
Written by playwright and screenwriter, Don Zolidis, a former middle and high school teacher, the play, “The Bold, the Young, and the Murdered,” is based around a story of a failing soap opera. Primarily a murder mystery, “The Bold, the Young, and the Murdered” story line involves suspense and plenty of comedy, too, and is a popular choice among high school and college level drama clubs and theater groups.
Whitney Romero, a second grade teacher in the Tioga Central School District and director of the play, is pleased that activities, such as the drama club, are still active. Theater education and school plays, Romero believes, help students develop in a number of ways and are vital to a well-rounded education.
Last June, Tioga Central School District’s budget was approved in a critical second vote for the 2015-16 school year. On the fence were co-curricular and extra-curricular programs. Working through several budget adjustments and receiving a sizeable donation from Jeff Gural, CEO of American Racing and Entertainment and owner of Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs, the curtain will open and the show goes on.
Romero shared, “Not all students’ play sports, so performing in plays also helps with comradery among students.” Romero added that just like a team, all students in the production of the play pull their own weight and own an important role.
Romero explained that gaining confidence to stand up on stage is in itself a significant accomplishment, as is the ability to memorize multiple lines, which in turn improves reading comprehension and communication skills.
“It is academic,” Romero shared. “For instance, the students learn and use words they do not use in everyday language.”
Several of the eighth grade students have participated in previous plays; however this is the first performance for the seventh graders. Students have been practicing since January upwards of two hours each day after school, which results in other positive aspects learned like dedication and commitment.
Romero commented, “This is their play. They have been given the responsibility to manage it, like change props and direct lights and sound.”
Heather Matthews, a middle school English and Language Arts teacher, is assistant director of the play.
The cast, in order of appearance, is Gaia Cooper, Mackenzie Macumber, Jocelyn Bradley, Brianna Murphy, Veronica Ricketson, Maggie Engelbert, Bailey Elston, Hunter Hall, Allyson Chapman, Faith Burrowes, Amanda Hammond, Kaylee Williams and Nathan Jaye.
Students providing stage support are Dominic Neal, Connie Mazzarese, Mackenzie Luther, Millie Grantham and Aubrey Lawton.
Tickets are $2 each and will be sold at the door. Proceeds support future drama club activities. During an intermission, refreshments will be available at a concession table in the lobby.
