March 28, 2024

Theatre in East Providence Schools Alive & Well: 'Aladdin', 'FAME' & 'The Wiz' this Spring.

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Teaching the basics remains critical in schools everywhere. One middle school English teacher has many of her students connecting the dots between compulsory basics and the world of live theatre and the arts. Judy dePerla has been involved in theater work with kids for the past 20 plus years in East Providence, RI. She has created an after school program at E.R. Martin Middle School and several summer and vacation workshops at Weaver Library, and after school theater for students in several East Providence elementary schools.

Teaching reading and comprehension and grammar, etc. are all critical to this popular teacher's daily job. Judy dePerla has kept her drive to teach kids. "Now, I'm working on a theater program at St. Mary's Episcopal Church here in the city. I am also helping to develop the E.P. Mohawks new theater program - one which they started last year," dePerla told The Reporter.

dePerla and others would like to see more opportunities for young children to enjoy and to learn about theatre. Theatre and music have actually enjoyed a long tenure in East Providence. Since the high school has been around, many wonderful programs have taken place. "EPHS students have been performing a Broadway musical every spring with music provided by the great high school music department," said dePerla. "The two middle schools, Martin and Riverside have also produced quality plays and musicals. Staff, students and community members have come together to support each other," she added.

"We continue this as an after school program. Riverside Middle has long performed a Broadway musical each spring and the Martin Middle theatre company started with a talent show and play in 1996 and has expanded the program to include elementary students (the Pee Wee Players) and a combined EPHS and MMS winter show," dePerla added.

Martin's talent show has moved to the music department under the direction of Mr. Rob Rappa. This year’s spring show will be "Aladdin" on June 1st and 2nd with a special Disney Trivia pre-show event on June 2nd. Riverside Middle will be presenting the musical "Fame" on May 11th , 12th and 13th this year. EPHS will be featuring "The Wiz" on 3 occasions; March 31st and a Saturday June 1st matinee with a Saturday evening performance at 7 pm.

"Theater activities are building at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church on Warren Avenue in E.P. In the spring of 2016 'Reflections in Rhode Island', stories of East Bay Seniors, was presented in their newly renovated auditorium," said dePerla. Last summer de Perla Theater at the Little Brown Church conducted a 6-week theater program with middle and high school students including a performance of Fractured Fairy Tales in early August. Plans are underway for a February vacation program for middle/high school groups and an April vacation program for the same and summer theater for middle school/high school students.

In a group known mostly for sports around town, the E.P. Mohawks have added a theater component to their organization. "That program (Mohawks) started last year and will be continuing this year," dePerla explained. The first meeting of registered and other interested elementary students was held at Waddington School on Tuesday, Jan. 24th, 2017. The program will culminate in a dinner theater event in early April before beginning the summer program. People can still get involved. Anyone interested in information about participation can contact info@epmohawks.org.

Writing Workshop Joining Theatre Groups:

dePerla and some colleagues and friends are seeking to expand the theatre experience to the public at large. Plans are underway for a writer’s group which would be open to the public and those interested in performing as well. "In a program called Illuminations, we hope to bring the tale of personal stories to the stage and this is a continuation of the ideas behind Reflections in Rhode Island," said dePerla. "Susan Collyer is developing plans for this exciting project to which all are welcome." Collyer is leading a group to supporters writers. "I am an actor by trade but not necessarily a writer," said Collyer.

During the last week in February and the month of March, the Bay Springs Community Center in Barrington, RI. is sponsoring a free weekly Writer’s Workshop: Illuminations Tuesday evenings @ 7pm. This Workshop offers a place to give your thoughts and words a chance to be heard and, if desired, performed at a later date," said Collyer. Collyer is a writer/producer and is interested in what people are thinking and doing about the "upcoming changes for our country."

"I am primarily concerned with people being able to voice an opinion on currents events or life-stories, no matter what their feelings are. People need to express themselves and not feel bullied by anyone. So I would like to gather people together who want to share personal opinions of politics or a personal awakenings and have these accounts acted out on a theatre stage. People tend to watch, listen and not judge the actor either way," said Collyer. "We want to make the audience the thriving part of our production and do so by respecting all sides of an opinion," Collyer added.

A number of theater companies around the country have been in contact with Ms. Collyer who are interested in participating in the same venture. "We believe in the power of personal stories and care very much about the common interest in the communities, states, nation and world."

Collyer can be reached at www.susancatherine.com; 4susancatherine@gmail.com. Judy dePerla can be reached at: Jdeperla@epschoolsri.com.

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