"The virtual connection has been such a blessing because we can reach more elementary classes, and family and friends can be a part of the experience."
The show must go on. It's a popular mantra in show business and one that theater students at Bush Middle School have taken to heart. This year, they're using a virtual stage to reach their audience. The group converted their annual children's show performance for a virtual audience made up of hundreds of North East ISD elementary students.
"I've always believed that as a theater director and teacher, my job is to find ways that our students can get the most stage time as possible," said Michelle Hix, Bush theater teacher. "Virtual performances provide an additional avenue to reach a wider audience."
Bush students performed their "Storybook Moments" production over Zoom to 27 classrooms across Las Lomas, Hardy Oak, Bulverde Creek, Encino Park and Tuscany Heights elementary schools. Each student dressed and performed the part of a storybook character, such as Curious George, Moana, The Flash, Winnie the Pooh and more.
Collaboration is key. Hix takes great pride in her ability to incorporate her student's ideas into her vision.
"Everything I do at work is for them to help build their confidence and success," said Hix. "Oftentimes, they'll have a vision or a simple idea, and we'll be able to develop or produce it. My advanced theater productions class and I have round table discussions about what they want to perform and ideas about the final product. So being able to facilitate that creativity has been so much fun."
Bush theater students are more than ready to step into the spotlight. Click here to view the "Storybook Moments" playbill.
