Reviews from Stagestruck Play Users
Jody Heppe
Teacher & Language Arts Specialist
“I have had the wonderful pleasure of producing and directing 3rd through 8th graders in a variety of Stagestruck Plays for 20 years, in both private and public school settings. Kirsten Morgan is a brilliant writer of astonishing depth and has the remarkable ability to make the students understand the feelings of each character. These fortunate students delight in using their newly acquired classic vocabulary in the classroom, on the playground, and at home with their families. It’s so accessible that, according to a colleague who has attended several of these plays, ‘teachers everywhere would be crazy not to take advantage of this opportunity to expand their students’ knowledge of classic literature.’ I’m beyond recommending these plays as adjuncts to literacy programs — this rich drama experience should be a required part of any well-rounded 3rd-8th grade curriculum.”
Amanda Trosten-Bloom
Parent
“As a former college English major, the promise of adapted Shakespeare productions greatly influenced our decision to send our daughter to Foothills Academy. Indeed, the “great works” produced by Kirsten Morgan and Jennifer Fay may well have been the high point of her grade school experience; and her exposure to these works engaged her heart, mind and spirit in ways I could barely have imagined. Having reveled in the Midsummer Night’s Dream, Tempest and Beowulf productions during her 3rd and 4th grade years, she continued in the after-school and summer Shakespeare “camps” to further experience King Lear and Hamlet. I still have a copy of the voicemail message I received when she learned she’d been cast as King Lear!”
“Hannah Joy went on to double major in music and English Literature. Together, we still watch movie adaptations of Shakespeare plays, and regularly book tickets to local theatrical productions. Because of her grade school experience, we enjoy an ongoing connection to great literature.”
Corrie Beauvineau
Teacher and Director
Magnolia Children’s Theater Summer Camp
“It’s amazing how compelling these plays are! They bring Classical Literature to life! The lessons and themes that pulse through these stories are very relevant to adults and children today. They teach us to be compassionate and watch out for the unhealthy pull of greed and power. The plays are filled with humor, adventure, courage, love, struggles, and complex characters that speak to our own human experience. The stories transcend time and are powerful because they unite us with our past and centuries of humans who have come before us, acting out these very same stories. Bringing these plays to life on stage is THE BEST way to teach children, not only about classical literature, but ultimately, about our shared human experience.”
“Acting in the Stagestruck Plays is one of the funnest, most fulfilling experiences I’ve ever had. It is challenging, exciting, thrilling and so much fun! I cried when it was over because I was so happy we all came together to create such a work of art!”
Mateo, 6th grade student
“The plays are brilliantly written in such a way that they honor the original work, and are accessible to young children. The rhyming quatrains make the lines very easy to memorize. Every year, I am amazed to witness how quickly the children learn their lines. Incredibly, the young actors are off book by the second or third day!”
Yves, Teacher and Director
“I LOVE directing these plays. They bring children together in the most meaningful way and create a life-changing experience that they will never, ever forget!”
Maya, Student, Actor and Director
“Summer camp and being in plays with the Magnolia Children’s Theater Camp is the best ever!”
Lee, Summer Camp Actor
“We are so happy these plays have touched our lives, and the lives of so many children in our community, and we look forward to others having this same inspiring and life changing experience.”
Stephanie, Parent