It started as a leap of faith, but the Driftwood Theatre School’s (DTS) production of Alice in Wonderland (featuring 25 young actors between the ages of six and 16) was a resounding success.
“It surpassed my every expectation: packed houses, audiences, amazing performances, and breathtaking sets and costumes,” said producer JoAnne Bennison. “Our goal was to introduce the magic of live theatre to a new generation, so I was thrilled to see all those youngsters in the audience, cheering and laughing and totally enthralled.”
Making Alice in Wonderland accessible to as many people as possible was an important goal for the school.
“We lowered ticket prices and offered sponsors the opportunity to purchase blocks of tickets, which were then given to Gibsons Elementary as part of the Youth Outreach Program,” Bennison said.
Instructor and director Ingrid Bilton believes DTS students have raised the bar for themselves, and that expectations will run high for future productions. “The kids are excited to be taking on Shakespeare in the new school year. All the World’s a Stage is a delicious romp through the life, times and works of the Bard.”
Stage manager Sandi McGinnis credited volunteers and families for helping make Alice such a success. “We were privileged to have an outstanding support network of artists, musicians, choreographers, costume and set designers, and a fabulous backstage crew with many parents making time in their busy schedules to help with myriad tasks — fundraising, advertising, props collection, and supervision.”
