This month, The Element High School students presented their very own play, Alice @ Wonderland, a contemporary recreation of the classic Alice in Wonderland story.
Taught by Teri Lorreto from CBC TV, who also teaches drama at Algonquin College, 34 students from Grades 7 - 9 were given the challenge of putting on a dramatic performance. Participants were responsible for each and every production element from stage and costume design to sound production, rehearsals, and script writing.
“Working with The Element is such a joy. The students are engaged and a wonderful group. The teachers are extremely supportive, not just of the students, but of the whole process. These students make the sets, costumes, props, sound, and music and then learn lines and create characters for the show.” Said director, Teri Lorreto. “I miss the students and staff when I go back to my regular teaching job at Algonquin College. Of course those students are great too, but there's something about The Element, being in the heart of Lansdowne, with such a diverse and talented group of learners, that it feels like leaving a vacation where I just happened to direct and produce a play.”
Students at The Element expressed their creativity and related this play to the modern world by including characters such as “Trumpty Dumpty”, a comedic spin on Donald Trump as “Humpty Dumpty”, as well as recreating the rabbit hole scene where Alice’s only worry is loosing cellphone reception.
“The planning, collaboration and giving their best truly inspired the audience viewing Alice @ Wonderland. A focus on critical thinking during the planning stages, creativity, design and public speaking and acting is outstanding to watch. Real world integration of multiple disciplines is exactly what I am excited to look forward to in our future by our next generation of leaders…” said Gregory Dixon, School Director of The Element High School.
With The Element being the first Montessori High School in Ottawa, there is always new and exciting news and events coming from their staff and students. For more information on The Element High School, visit their website at http://www.elementhighschool.com.
