For many students involved in the theater program, there is way more to it than just performing; it is a place where friendships are made, confidence grows, and students find a place to belong. Whether they’re on stage or behind the scenes, the connections theater students form shapes their time in school and beyond.

Miah Snow, 9, explained that the influence of their family was what first drew them to join theater.

“My family being a part of theater, like my cousin and my sister, and acting on stage has gotten me into it,” Snow said. “It’s helped me make more friends.”

Snow described the theater environment as very supportive and welcoming and mentioned one especially memorable experience was working backstage with everyone.

For Owen Melius, 12, their involvement in theater began in middle school when their mother encouraged them to sign up.

“She kind of just wanted me to sign up,” Melius said. “I was the only one backstage that year and then I got to be in a management position for next year. That’s what kept me in theater through middle school.” 

Melius now works on set building and lighting in high school productions. Melius described the theater community as positive and drama-free. 

“Everyone’s super contrary to most stereotypes about theater,” Melius said. 

One experience that stands out to Melius is bringing students up to the catwalk and seeing their reaction.

“Every single time everyone is so surprised by like, ‘Oh, my gosh, I’m above the stage’. It’s super normal for me,” Melius said

Additionally, Lenore Pinkerton, 11, described theater as a place where they have found lasting friendships. 

“Almost all the connections I have, I’ve made through theater.” Pinkerton said. “Most of my friends from middle school to now, I met through theater.”

Pinkerton emphasized the welcoming and inclusive environment, saying it’s a place where they feel like they belong.

“It’s a place where I feel like I can be myself, which is really ironic, considering it’s a place where you pretend to be someone else.” Pinkerton said.

Harrison Shay, 10, said theater also shaped their personal growth and future plans. 

“It not only solidified what I want to do for a career, because it totally did that, but also I think it taught me a way to sort of manage my stress,” Shay said. 

Shay values the supportive nature of the theater community and the connections they have also formed. 

“I think most, if not all of my friends are in theater, and some of the relationships with them also played out on stage. A lot of the people I have formed connections with were family members in the show,” they said.

One lasting memory for Shay was performing in Freaky Friday.

“There’s a song in Act II — my favorite song on the show. On closing night, I was almost tearing up. I couldn’t show that before,” Shay said.

For these students, theater is a community where creativity, friendships, and self-expression thrive together.