When students age up and start their high school journey, many are forced to bid farewell to their middle school hobbies, clubs, and teams. However, some students have found a way to keep their roots planted in their middle school years through theater.
Cardinal Center Stage is an annual show put on at the middle school by Holly Bennett, choir director at both RDC and GRC. Last year, she opened the show up to high school students as well.
“Clark County is full of talent and passion for the arts,” Ms. Bennett said. “I can’t believe we have so many high schoolers willing to perform with the middle school. And we have so many families with siblings. I wanted them to be able to perform together.”
Junior Ella Howton says she loves how everyone gets involved.
“This show means the world to me,” she said. “It’s just a wonderful environment. I love getting to interact with the 7th and 8th graders, and getting to be someone they can look up to.”
Center Stage is a musical revue, composed of a variety of songs from many other musicals. Ms. Bennett spends time writing and constructing the show to include everyone.
The show will be held at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7, and Sunday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m., and features 25 RDC students and 25 GRC students.
“We make sure that all 50 of them get their moment and a chance to showcase their talents,” Bennett said.
This also allows students to freely express themselves while on the big stage.
Carter Johnston, a sophomore, said the creative freedom is the best part of the show.
“It gives us the opportunity to express our creative and artistic abilities,” he said.
Ella said she enjoyed getting the opportunity to lend a hand in creating the show.
“With a musical revue, there is less of a strict script you have to follow,” Howton said. “Getting to create and even help choreograph the show is one of my favorite parts. I feel like I had a part in creating such amazing art.”
Sophomore Addison Moore said she also loves having the ability to just have fun.
“The best part about Center Stage is that we get to go up on stage and just laugh and have a good time,” she said.
McKinley Harper, also a sophomore, said she loves getting to come together and perform her favorite songs with her friends and classmates.
“You get to do a million different songs from a million different shows,” she said. “My favorite memory is our first rehearsal. I got to work with a new group full of people I’ve never met and learn one of my favorite songs ever.”
Tickets for this light-hearted, talent packed show are $10 dollars for adults and $5 dollars for any Clark County student, and will be sold at the door. There will be concessions and flowers available for purchase at the show.
