Theatre in Practice: Falling Creek’s Journey to Drama Production

Falling Creek Middle School is weeks away from debuting their latest drama production, Game of Tiaras, to the community later this spring. 

This year’s production would be the school’s second drama performance since the pandemic and the loss of the theatre program. It is also the second year of the relationship between the Falling Creek drama program and Start 1 Spark. 

The program, led by Kate Hundley and Conner Evans, is currently rehearsing and working with set pieces built by Start 1 Spark volunteers on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. In addition to the set pieces and props, Start 1 Spark will provide costume pieces, pre-show dinner, cast and crew T-shirts, and Playbills for the community and students.

Wahki Winston, a sixth grade student at Falling Creek, has been involved in the drama club since attending Beulah Elementary School in the 5th grade. 

“I always wanted to be an actor since I was seven,” Winston said. “When I heard they [Falling Creek] had a drama club, I was excited because I had a little experience…and I signed up.” 

After signing up for auditions, Winston shared that he was both excited and nervous about auditioning for the club. 

“Once I got on stage and started reading the lines, I felt at ease,” Winston said. 

Cadence Brown, a seventh grader, has been involved with the drama program since last year, citing her ability to be dramatic as the reason she joined the club. 

The drama program attracts students from all grades and friend groups, making it a fun environment to get to know new people and make friends, Brown said. 

“If they have the program in eighth grade, I would definitely be doing it again,” Brown said, reflecting on her last year at Falling Creek. “I am hoping to carry it on to a specialty program called the Specialty Center for the Arts at Thomas Dale High School.” 

The relationship between Falling Creek Middle School and Start 1 Spark allows current students at Falling Creek to apply to the Specialty Center for the Arts at Thomas Dale High School.  Without Start 1 Spark, students wouldn't have the opportunity to showcase their talent for the limited spots in the region’s specialty programs.

Stephanie Dayalsingh, a seventh grade student, has been interested in theatre since she was in fifth grade.

“I like the ability to give to my community and be able to be a part of it and make people laugh,” Dayalsingh said. 

Dayalsingh expressed her intention to pursue acting in the future, whether professionally or recreationally.

“Being in drama has made me more confident,” Dayalsingh said. “Just being around so many people and forcing myself out of my comfort zone really helps me with my confidence and everything.” 

Kate Hundley, the director of the drama program, stepped in to reinforce how being involved in extracurricular activities increases student’s confidence. 

“It took her [Dayalsingh] a while to be comfortable to be dramatic like that,” Hundley said. “To see her now, this year, she stole the show…that’s what we need.” 

Game of Tiaras is set to premiere on April 24th at 7 p.m. at Falling Creek Middle School. Additional showtimes include April 25th at 7 p.m. and April 26th at 2 p.m.