The Village School’s Repertory theater is currently rehearsing the musical “Chicago“. Balancing theater with school work can be hard for many students. However, many cast and crew members undergo this challenge and thrive.  

The cast and crew of any school production must stay motivated throughout the rehearsal process in order to stay successful. “I am motivated by my passion for storytelling,” senior at The Village School and stage manager Anne-Frédérique Bellerose said, “It’s a calling.”

This show has students of all grades from 1st to 12th grade. Their love for theater brings them together even though they may not have time. How do they balance their workload with school? “It’s a lot of hard work, you have to be dedicated,” Bellerose said, “During tech week, you spend no time at home. You have to prioritize school work.” 

Rehearsals are a space that is full of creative fun, and the process is engaging. “On music days, we’ll come in and we’ll go change, and then we will run,” Senior and Roxie Hart Valerie Gaynor said, “We will run (laps around the black box) to build up our endurance and stamina.” 

“We have workshops to get you in character,” Junior and lead of the show, Zijin (Sophie) Zheng said. 

For some students, theater is a new and scary experience. “Although I’m new to theater, I really love everything that we’re doing right now, and I really love the show,” Zheng said.