In a burst of creativity and humor, middle school drama students at St. Bernard recently performed a 30-minute show titled “The 10 Best/Worst Things About Middle School.” The performance, the result of a semester’s dedication, featured hilarious and relatable moments that had the entire K-8 student body laughing.
At St. Bernard School, middle school students choose a fine arts course for the semester, and one option is a drama class. Led by Mrs. Colleen MacDonald, this year’s class of 27 participants from grades 6-8 selected the comedy “The 10 Best/Worst Things About Middle School” by M.G. Davidson. The play humorously explored the challenges of adolescence, resonating with the audience.
The journey to the stage started at the semester’s beginning, with students investing hours in rehearsals, script readings, and character development. The young actors, guided by Mrs. MacDonald, showcased their dedication in every aspect of the production. The result was two performances held on January 12 in Bishop Hall.
The first performance was for grades K-4, offering younger students a glimpse into middle school humor. The second performance, for grades 5-8, resonated with the older students who found the play capturing both the best and worst aspects of their middle school experience.
Feedback from the cast and audience confirmed the success of the performance. Parents, teachers, and students alike were transported back to their middle school days, reflecting on the shared experiences that define adolescence.
Nolan, a 7th-grader who played the narrator, said, “I really enjoyed being a part of this play. It served as a reminder that, despite the challenges and awkward moments, middle school is a shared journey filled with growth, friendships, and unforgettable experiences.”
Johnny, a 6th-grader who played multiple small roles, said, “I was so nervous to perform for the middle school students, but I think it went really well. I was so proud of our hard work. It was fun getting to celebrate and cheer as a cast when it was finally over.”
Parents were invited to attend, and they praised the play. “I haven’t laughed this hard in ages. It’s like they took the essence of middle school and turned it into a comedy masterpiece,” remarked one parent. “I could see my own middle school days unfolding before my eyes. It was like they captured the chaos and charm perfectly.”
Even a kindergartener, Isaac, found it really funny and well done. “I laughed a lot. They did a good job,” he said with a smile.
These first-semester drama students certainly deserve a round of applause and a “Bravo!” from everyone. As the school enters semester two, a new group of students will have the opportunity to participate in drama class, working on public speaking skills for a spring performance. Stay tuned to discover their chosen play!
St. Bernard Catholic School is part of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. It is a private Catholic school serving Preschool and Elementary through 8th grade (PK3-8) with open enrollment. St. Bernard’s provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually.