‘Santa Goes Green’ presented by performing arts group

GUSTINE – Twenty students at Gustine Elementary School had the opportunity to shine on stage last Tuesday, presenting a musical production in the high school auditorium.

“Santa Goes Green,” was the inaugural production of a new, grant-funded performing arts program at GES which introduces youngsters to the world of theatre. More are planned, said Principal Donna Ross and long-term substitute teacher Lori Burgess, who directed the play.

The fourth- and fifth-graders rehearsed for about two month as part of the after-school program.

The performing arts, Burgess reflected, offer a unique environment in which students from all backgrounds can thrive.

“For the students who may not be involved in a lot of other things, this is something exciting that is just theirs,” Burgess stated. “They might not all be straight-A students, or the kids who you might think would be interested in doing something like this.”

“I saw sides of kids that I didn’t even know existed,” added Ross. “It struck me what a cross-section of students we had in that group.”

With the focus on core academics, students don’t have as many opportunities to experience performing arts as in the past, Burgess reflected.

She said research has shown that involvement in the arts helps foster academic achievement.

“It is a proven fact that kids who achieve musically and in theatre can improve their grades dramatically,” Burgess remarked. “They see what they are capable of doing, and it encourages them in their other subjects as well.”

‘Santa Goes Green” was the story of Mrs. Claus deciding to convert the North Pole into an environmentally-friendly operation.....a Christmas musical also delivering a social message.

“It was not an easy musical, but they learned seven numbers and didn’t use scripts during the performance,” Burgess said.

They also learned the value of teamwork, and about each other.

“Sometimes with theatre, it becomes a little family,” the director reflected. “Everybody had a part. Some were more involved than others, but one of the things everybody learned is that there are no small parts.”

A second production will offer second-and third-grade students the opportunity to become involved.

That show will likely be presented at the school’s annual Spring Fling.