MLAP Theater Presents

BY SUE SMITH GRIER

Creative Endeavors and Lasting Benefits

Established 25 years ago under principal Marly Larson, the Brainerd Middle Level Alternative Program School sought to provide students needing additional help in an environment in which they could feel safe and valued while receiving the education they needed in order to be academically successful. With its low student to teacher ratio, the school provides specialized education for students who otherwise may fall through the cracks at larger schools. Photos Joey Halvorson

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In any school district, middle school can be challenging and at MLAP, it is no different, except students are given opportunities to work together, learn about compromise and conflict resolution, move out of their comfort zones and discover aspects of themselves they never knew existed through theater. An Annual Jewel

Each year, students at the school are given an opportunity to participate in the annual school play. This year’s production was “Cinderella,” oh, but not just any Cinderella. This was a musical madcap adventure with hilarious twists and turns. The classic story was updated with hip hop music, slapstick comedy and performances by middle schoolers that would make any parent proud. The history of theater at the school goes back over two decades ago. Jackie Janousek-Foss was the first instructor at MLAP and instrumental in starting the theater program. In its inaugural year Janousek-Foss was teaching a group of boys who wanted to do a play from a READ magazine they were studying.

“Twenty-four years ago our stage was a small metal frame with a maroon shower curtain. From that play, I just did what they wanted to do for a fun project; and what we got out of it, I learned so much from it. It was so much more than just giving a play. All the things that go into it and what the students come out with is just a tremendous journey,” said JanousekFoss.

Janousek-Foss is very proud of the students for their accomplishments

“All the things that go into [a theater production] and what the students come out with is just a tremendous journey.” Jackie Janousek-Foss, first instructor at MLAP and instrumental in creating the theater program.

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in performing and staging plays. She has seen students grow by leaps and bounds as their self-confidence blossoms and they feel the sweet taste of success in a job well done. Year after year a new crop of students is given the chance to perform and help put on the annual play — an opportunity which would most likely pass them by in a different school setting. For some of her students the experience leaves a lasting impression.

THANKS TO THE FIVE WINGS ARTS COUNCIL AND THE MINNESOTA ARTS AND CULTURAL HERITAGE FUND THE SCHOOL RECEIVED A GRANT THAT HELPED WITH THIS YEAR’S PRODUCTION.

The benefits of participating in an annual school production go much deeper than what you see on the surface.

“I have students that are in their 30s; right around this time they’ll message me on Facebook or stop by here and ask what play we are doing this year. Past students will come and be audience members. I bet I had six or seven past students at the play (this year).”

From shower curtain beginnings, the school now has a stage, a variety of props, lighting and sound systems. Students build scenes and backdrops under the direction of the art department (Sarah Emerson). Before starting rehearsals, students now participate in a class to discuss matters of the theater and staging plays. They also have an opportunity to see the intended production performed by professionals or semi-professionals.

The Importance of the Arts in Our Schools

Thanks to the Five Wings Arts Council and the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund the school received a grant that helped with this year’s production. Principal Jessica Haapajoki, Janousek-Foss and Twila Ehrich-Belton worked together to write the grant which also provides an elective theater class for high school students. This is an 18-week course with an end goal of a spring performance.

The grant made it possible to hire local actress and director Amy Borash to help with the production, coach the performers and provide staging instruction. The grant also made it possible for the students to go to the

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“Being able to do the production inspired me to look into the theater and the arts at a deeper level.” Zoey Shepard, student.

“It really works on their self-esteem, feeling of achievement, strengthening their listening and communication skills and problem-solving skills. - Janousek-Foss

Children’s Theater in Minneapolis and experience a professional presentation of the play, which for some was a first and memorable occasion. The benefits of participating in an annual school production go much deeper than what you see on the surface. Janousek-Foss explained how she saw students change for the better through the experience. She spoke of a former student who never spoke, yet participated in the play and had the smile of true success after. “It really works on their self-esteem, feeling of achievement, strengthening their listening and communication skills and problemsolving skills. But most of all it gives the students a sense of achievement, something many of them have never felt before.”

Students agree. “It helps me understand mistakes are OK because as a group we can problem solve to improve,” said Kyleah Johnsrud.

“It helps me understand mistakes are OK because as a group we can problem solve to improve.” Kyleah Johnsrud, student.

The experience is also inspirational for students. Zoey Shepard said, “Being able to do the production inspired me to look into the theater and the arts at a deeper level.” The arts have been pushed to the wayside by many of our educational institutions; however, if the growth and magic experienced and shared by MLAP students is any indication of their power to transform lives, perhaps we should rethink those policies and make the arts available to all children who have the desire to participate.

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