South Wasco School Theater Production ‘Little Women’ Makes Big Impact
‘Little Women’ swept the stage in South Wasco County in early November, showcasing breakthrough roles for SWCSD’S middle and high school theater students. Community members raved about the performances: “We drove from Bend to attend ‘Little Women’ on Sunday. It was worth every mile! The cast gave an accomplished performance, fully inhabiting their characters…they were amazing!” Local resident, Jerri Parmann, adds, “I’ve seen and been in many plays here in our small community and this ‘Little Women’ was right up there with the very best.”
Actors Left to Right: Joselyn Sarabia-Galvan (Amy), Carolina Thiel (Meg), Reegen Babcock (Beth), and Huntleigh River (Jo).
Sitting in the audience for ‘Little Women’, you wouldn’t realize from the caliber of the work, that the SWCSD theater program is so young. Megan Hensen, Director and Middle School SWCSD Teacher, introduced theater to the students of South Wasco School for the first time in the 2021-2022 school year – with limited funding. Her first school production in 2021 was produced mostly out-of-pocket. “The school administration is very supportive of theater and our other programs, but in a school like ours, funding is just limited. There's no getting around it. With the performance of that first show, we ended up getting a lot of interest and connecting with a lot more people who were interested in donating.”
Since 2021, the theater program has grown into a passionate and tight-knit community among students. Megan does a fantastic job of cultivating a safe environment, where participants can build confidence through positive experiences. “The kids consistently encourage one another. We all know when we make a mistake, but we keep the focus on how to creatively pick up that situation. Kids are looking for acceptance and for a place where they can be themselves without judgment.”
Theater students, Kiera Moore (Marmee, ‘Little Women’) and Reegan Babcock (Beth, ‘Little Women’), agree with Megan’s sentiment, speaking from the heart about the close friendships and bonds they have formed through theater. They both answer without hesitation that their favorite aspect to theater is “the people”.
Megan shares the consideration that went into selecting ‘Little Women’ for the 2023 Fall performance: “Little Women connects an older generation, so passionate about theater, and a new younger generation, newly dedicated to the art of theater. The play resonates with the community and it creates a common ground.”
Actors Left to Right: Reegen Babcock (Beth), Carolina Thiel (Meg), Huntleigh River (Jo), Joselyn Sarabia-Galvan (Amy).
Megan describes her process of building a strong theater foundation from scratch: “The majority of students in ‘Little Women’ came through the SWCSD intro-to-drama class before enrolling in the advanced class – to get a grasp on basic production and stage craft.” After completing the intro course, kids can enroll in the advanced theater class where they participate in productions. Megan has a clear vision for the future of the program: “I want the school’s theater program to yield impressive productions. I want them to be high quality. I want the kids to take it seriously. But the other side of that vision for the program is to create a space for kids to feel they belong and have a safe place.“
South Wasco’s Theater program thrives through collaboration beyond the classroom. Producing plays of such caliber takes a village. Volunteers are an important part of the backbone that supports the program. “It takes a stage manager. It takes extras. It takes ensemble members. It takes a lead role. It takes followers, and it takes leaders. It also takes volunteers,” explains Megan.
Actor: Tegan Sheppard (Laurie)
Megan shares gratitude for the many who stepped in to help with ‘Little Women’: “We are grateful to the Town and Country Players! They have hand-sewn period correct dresses that many players have used over the years, and we were able to use them for ‘Little Women’. The Town and Country Players have been so supportive. They serve as mentors to both myself and to my students.”
Volunteer, Dita Olsen, also played an integral role in the behind-the-scenes success of ‘Little Women’, bringing an impressive background in professional set design. Dita interfaced with both the SWCSD Theater program and the SWCSD manufacturing class, leading the design and production of the ‘Little Women’ set.
“Dita is an amazing volunteer! Our set quality for this one was impressive. She gave instructions on what to build. We had our SWCSD manufacturing class build the basic walls and molding and windows and everything. We've definitely been appreciative to be able to partner with them,” says Megan. The integrated teamwork and behind-the-scenes planning certainly came across in the professional-level presentation of ‘Little Women’.
Actors left to right: Reegen Babcock (Beth), Sophia Kurtz (Hannah), Joselyn Sarabia-Galvan (Amy), Huntleigh River (Jo), Keira Moore (Marmee), Carolina Thiel (Meg)
Theater is like a unique place, and for many kids, it’s a place for connection. It's the place where they know they belong. And a place where they can do something they’re passionate about. We are overwhelmingly proud to have such a dedicated group continuing the tradition of theater in South Wasco County.
Megan has a deeply genuine love for theater, and for sharing theater with her students. “I work with some really spectacular kids. I truly appreciate how rare it is for them to have these opportunities in a place like Maupin. The kids are showing up and doing a good job. Our Little Women lead, “Jo”, is only an eighth grader [Huntleigh River], but watching her perform moves me to tears. I get goose bumps, even in practice. They all step up and impress me consistently.”
The SWCSD Theater program is planning another big production in the spring of 2024, whose title is not yet released – hop onto Facebook and follow @swctheatre for more details! If you would like to volunteer to help with the spring show, or would like to donate, please contact Megan at meganh@swasco.net / 503.702.8911 for more information.
