It’s been 25 years since the last Christmas play was performed at Newton County Academy. What better way to make its triumphant return than by the elementary students telling the true story of the Christmas.
On Thursday, beginning at 6:30 p.m., Grades K3-6th will perform in “’Twas the Night Before”, a play that tells the story about the birth of Christ, but in the perspective of the angels. Play directors Diane Douglas and Erin Tramill have worked with the students for two months, preparing them for their performing debut at the school.
Douglas, art and music director at the school, says this is the first play at the Academy in quite a long time. “The last play we did here was back in 1997,” said Douglas. “It was long overdue to put on another play here and the kids have worked so hard practicing for it.”
Tramill, who teaches 4-6 grade reading and history, adds that she and Douglas both have a background in theater, so they wanted to provide something new for students. “We just wanted to give students a creative outlet, especially for those that may not have a sport or other activity,” Tramill said. “And potentially, we hope this will open up to starting up a drama club.”
Both Douglas and Tramill said that the students have really had a great time with preparing for the play. The fact that it’s the first play in a long time at the academy, thrilled them even more. “When we told the younger students that this is the first play performed in twenty-five years, they got super-excited,” said Tramill. “We remind them that they’re going to be missionaries that night while they tell the story of the Nativity in a creative way. They can’t wait.”
Not only has the students responded well to the play. According to Douglas, the response from all associated with the school have been tremendous. “Everyone has been so helpful in all of this,” Douglas said. “Coaches have helped us find time to get kids in the gym to practice, teachers have been cooperative, the PTA and parents has been a lot of help with the play. It’s really been a team effort in this.”
And with so much excitement from students and positive support from faculty and parents, Tramill said that people can expect to see a great show Thursday night. “It’s been an honor to just see them blossom in a different light than just the classroom,” she said. “Some have come out of their shell and it’s just fun to watch them. It’s going to be great”.
