Between singing, dancing, and acting, the performers were a triple threat, telling the tale of young Aladdin, a street urchin, and Princess Jasmine. The two meet in Agrabah’s marketplace after Jasmine flees from the palace, frustrated with her life there. They are quick to fall in love, but face tremendous difficulties in finding a life together since Jasmine can only marry royalty. With the help of a genie and three wishes, Aladdin becomes a prince in hopes of wooing over Jasmine. Through his journey, Aladdin learns that above all, he has to believe in himself. With nothing but inborn charisma and natural intellect, Aladdin has to trust that Jasmine will marry him for who he really is.
Driver and his team bought the appropriate materials and license rights to music and three hour-long performances (June 1-3). Aladdin was a student favorite with limited shows to choose from. They had to find one that was fit for younger voices and abilities that also allowed room for training. Compared to a high school student, a middle schooler is much less developed, especially vocally. Most of these students are also too young to have had much experience in the performing arts, and therefore, it is Driver’s job to introduce them to the art form. On stage, he fosters meaningful teaching experiences by incorporating the use of a small, simple set, and no microphones. He wants his students to embrace the true essence of acting, which includes learning to speak clearly and loudly while performing.
“Performance is important to an extent,” Driver said. “However, from my point of view, content is more important.”
Rehearsals were initially held three afternoons a week for two hours. As show dates approached, rehearsal time increased. Although initially, all cast and crew members were called in for a week of auditioning, followed by another week for orientation. For auditions, students were asked to read scenes and participate in singing and dance activities. When not in performance, students were evaluated on their character [portrayal]. Orientation week further broke down the story, allowing middle school students the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the show and music.
In his director’s notes, Driver referred to Aladdin’s experience by saying, “As a company, we, too, have had to trust ourselves and build new relationships if our work was to be satisfying and rewarding.”
Driver gives much credit to his 10 high school mentors, many of whom are his own current and previous students. Various behind-the-scenes jobs were offered to these mentors, but whether they were the stage manager or costume supervisor, they were all were role models for middle school performers. Driver describes their most important positions as giving advice, passing down traditions, and teaching about responsibility. All mentors were offered community service hours in compensation for their efforts.
As one of Mr. Driver’s many students, I can say one thing: his lessons are meaningful on stage and off. The manner in which I have been able to apply them to everyday life has been advantageous, to say the least. I’m more aware of cold droplets of water, pant seams, and grains of sand, simply because they compose our set. On stage, everything has a purpose, just like in life. I’ve learned to appreciate little tidbits spackled here and there, which are of little value to the untrained eye.
Thank you, Mr. Driver. Your middle school students have much to look forward to.
[blockquote class=blue]Zarah Kavarana is a 2012 Briarcliff High School graduate and intern at River Journal.[/blockquote]