Kindergarten and Third Graders Enjoy a Magical Day at the Theater
Sarah Locke, Heather Manning, Alejandro Monedero, Megan Roeder, Leah Rubart, & Megan Terry
Earlier this month, Kindergarten students from our Swain Campus and our third graders had the unforgettable opportunity to attend the Pennsylvania Youth Theater’s production of Annie. This enriching experience brought the magic of live theater to life, enhancing classroom learning and fostering a deeper appreciation for storytelling, history, and emotions.
For our Kindergarteners, the production was the perfect complement to their theater classes with Rip Cantelmi. Their prior exposure to the basics of acting and performance prepared them to engage with the show on multiple levels. Live theater offers a unique opportunity to teach critical thinking, empathy, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Students were captivated by the vibrant characters, detailed costumes, and intricate sets, which brought the story to life in ways that complemented their classroom lessons. A standout favorite among the students was Sandy, the lovable dog played by a real canine actor, whose presence added excitement and relatability to the performance.
Meanwhile, our third graders had an extra special connection to the production: two of their classmates, Vivien Lambert '34 and Sophie Brown '34, performed on stage as Molly and Tessie. This added a layer of pride and excitement to their experience as they cheered on their peers. Each year, our third-grade classes make it a tradition to attend at least one theater production.
Experiences like this not only strengthen students' appreciation for the performing arts but also highlight the supportive and connected community that is central to the Moravian Academy family. From the magic of Sandy’s stage debut to the joy of seeing friends shine in starring roles, the day was filled with inspiration and unforgettable memories.