Theater whether on stage or behind the scenes, helps give a home and shape several students. Head director Sage Dorsey (11) is giving this experience to several kids as she works with students aged K-8 three times a week after school.

“On Mondays and Fridays, we usually do music with Mr. Zelmelko and maybe choreography with the dance captains and Mrs. Jaquina. Then we will take the leads to block and figure out the scenes. Then Wednesdays are usually just choreography and blocking,” Dorsey said.

Dorsey herself is an actress on stage and has been in several productions. She plans to use her directing experience to aid her in future projects and maybe even pursue a career in directing.

“You get to see a lot more interpretations, you may not have thought this is how Wonka should act, but then our Wonka might take it a different way, and it shows different perspectives that can help enhance that scene. I see directing as a potential future for myself. I think I would like to work with high school kids. It is good to have experience working with different age groups,” Dorsey said.

Of course, like any job, it does come with its challenges. With such a large gap in age groups, it is never easy to keep rehearsals productive.

“ You have to do something that everyone is capable of and when working with kids who are younger rather than older you have to consider everyone’s abilities. Half the time the kids do not want to listen and It is a struggle to get people to move things forwards. You just have to talk to them in a different way and in words they understand. Though they do trust us to understand what is happening and they always have the next idea ready,” Dorsey said.

This experience directing a show has brought several lessons to Dorsey and even a glimpse into her possible future as a director. Whether it is at a local theater on the side, or in the classroom daily. Dorsey  If you want to see Willy Wonka Kids for Yourself performances are on June 6th & 7th.