Ballard to perform first play in 15 years
Published 9:07 am Thursday, May 8, 2014
It has been a long time since Ballard Elementary School has put on a play.
Fifteen years by parent volunteer Caroline Hall’s count.
Student Felicity Meadows plays the Fairy Godmother during practice Wednesday for Ballard Elementary School’s presentation of the play, “Beauty IS the Beast.”
So it’s understandable that students, staff and parents are excited that the Niles school will be performing “Beauty IS a Beast” at 6 p.m. Friday in the theater.
“These kids have been working hard for over two months and that work will be honored by every person that comes to see what they have accomplished,” Hall said. “Attending this play not only supports the students and the schools, but gives people an opportunity to experience Niles Community Schools in action.”
Admission is free and concessions will be sold at intermission. Everyone is welcome.
The cast is made up of one teacher and 17 students grades second through fifth.
It is directed by Hall, third-grade teacher Betsy Hickock and student director Bailey Schneider.
Hall said research shows that participating in drama can have a positive impact on a student’s physical, emotional, social and cognitive development.
“Performing can increase a student’s self-confidence by teaching them to trust their ideas and abilities,” she said. “It also provides an outlet to express a wide range of emotions in a safe, controlled environment.”
Written by D.M. Larson, “Beauty IS a Beast” tells the story of a princess who is beautiful on the outside, but ugly inside. Her world is turned upside down when a fairy godmother turns the princess inside out.
Hall said they chose the play based on its message.
“Especially in today’s society, it is so easy to get caught up in the trappings of our outer appearance and feel entitled to things in life,” she said. “This play is teaching the kids — and the audience — that beauty that comes from within and relationships are far more important.”
The school plans to continue performing a show each spring.
“Beauty IS a Beast” Cast
Princess Beauty: Marlie Holloway
Honor: Angie Pena
Nick: Dakota Schneider
Fairy: Felicity Meadows
Andres: Cameron Hall
Janie (Tutor): Noula Limberopoulos
Scribe: Nathan Ryman
Queen: Mrs. Hickok
Guards/Servants: Matt Hickok; Carson Rachels
Paula: Kristen York Houck
Jill: Ashlyn Thompson
Cindy: Emily Ghareeb
Meg: Liberty Hickok
Tina: Aniyah Bray
May: Essence Gray
Jasmine: Alexus Hoy
Elizabeth: Arianna Hall
