Comitta highlights school performances for ‘Theater in Our Schools Month’

PALCS Center for the Performing and Fine Arts: Little Women

In recognition of March as “Theater in Our Schools Month,” state Sen. Carolyn Comitta is highlighting the local productions and performances being held this spring at schools across Chester County.

“School theater productions are a great way for student artists and performers to display their phenomenal talents to their communities,” Comitta said. “You don’t have to go to Philadelphia or New York to see a great show. Please consider attending one of the many student productions here in Chester County.”

The schedule for this year’s upcoming spring musicals is as follows:

Avon Grove High School: Chicago

April 20th through 22 at 7 pm and April 22 at 2 pm

Avon Grove Charter High School: The

Sound of Music

April 20 and 21 7-9 pm and April 22 at 2-4 pm March 15 through 18 at 7 pm and March 18 at 2 pm

Collegium Charter School: The Little Mermaid

March 23 through 25 at 7 pm and March 2 at 1 pm and 7 pm

Devon Preparatory School: High Fidelity: High School Edition

March 24 and 25 at 6:30 pm and March 25th and 26th at 1 pm

Downingtown East High School: The Spongebob Musical

March 30 through April 1 at 7 pm and April 2 at 2 pm

Downingtown West High School: Anastasia

April 14 and 15 at 7:30 pm and April 15 and 16 at noon

Great Valley High School: Chicago: Teen Edition

April 27 through 29 at 7:30 pm and April 29 at 2 pm

Henderson High School: Footloose

March 16th through 18 at 7 pm and March 18 at 2 pm

Malvern Preparatory School: The Lightning Thief, The Percy Jackson Musical

March 10 and 11 at 7 pm

Unionville High School: Once Upon a Mattress

March 16 through 18 at 7 pm and March 18 at 2 pm

Villa Maria Academy High School: Into the Woods

May 19 and 20 at 7 pm and May 21 at 2 pm

West Chester East High School: Anything Goes

March 9 through 11 at 7 pm and March 12 at 2 pm

Comitta also commended the local schools which already held productions, including Conestoga High School (She Loves Me), Octorara High School (The Wizard of Oz), Oxford Area High School (The Spongebob Musical), and Rustin High School (Les Misérables).

Studies show that student participation in theater or drama education can lead to stronger academic achievement, higher test scores, improved reading comprehension, stronger attendance rates, fewer dropouts, and improved self-esteem, peer relations, and empathy for others.

“Theater education can help teach invaluable skills needed to be successful in school, work and life, including public speaking, listening skills, teamwork, non-verbal communication, resilience, and storytelling,” Comitta, who serves on the Senate Education Committee said. “As a product of theater education and someone who appeared in annual school musicals, I can also tell you it’s lot of work and a lot of fun. I want to thank all the students, teachers, staff, volunteers, supporters, and parents who keep these programs running.”

This session, Comitta introduced Senate Resolution 38 which recognizes March as “Theater in Our Schools Month.’ The resolution also recognizes “Music in Our Schools Month,” “Dance in Our Schools Month” and “Youth Art Month” in Pennsylvania.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Senator Comitta watches as the Downingtown Middle School and Downingtown High School West choirs perform in the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg as part of the celebration of March as “Music in Our Schools Month” and “Theater in Our Schools Month.”