News

Peter Pan Will Amaze Audiences!

Prepare to be transported to a magical world that only dreams can conjure. PCA's Center Stage will soon showcase visions of Indians, fairies and crocodiles swashbuckling on pirate ships while flying back and forth from the home of Big Ben to the Neverland Island of The Lost Boys. Director Jenni Brown, along with nearly 85 members of cast and crew, are currently in rehearsals for the PCA Middle School production of Peter Pan.

With growing numbers of students interested in the PCA Drama Program, comes great excitement for Jenni Brown, but not without its directorial challenges. "There are 27 roles for the main cast in the play, 16 Indian dance girls, 6 pirate chant boys, and 3 commercials with 7 to 8 kids performing in each, plus the stage crew," explains Brown. The commercials are a new segment introduced to the drama this year. "The reason for the commercials is to include as many kids as possible in the production in a creative way. We have always had benefactors, but this was just a cool way to have your business advertised with live Peter Pan characters as related to the storyline of the play."

Another big challenge for the director is keeping up with all the costumes. Brown mentions having to come up with a system to stay organized, and admits she can't do it on her own. "I'll need to recruit parent volunteers to help me with the costumes. Another thing I want to say is, I'm so thankful for all the parent volunteers. Peter Klassen has helped design the pirate ship, David Pabst has made many props with his wood cutting machine and Kevin Andrus is helping with props. This is in addition to many other volunteers helping with snacks, make-up, a cast party and more. I am appreciative of their help."

Once again, Brown will be working alongside the talents of costume designer Pam Hall (PCA Lower School Music Teacher) and set designer Anna Boyer (PCA High School Art Teacher). Brown keeps with her vision for the set and costumes, and leans on the creativity of Hall, Boyer and the Art I students. "I design the set and tell them how many panels to paint for each scene. I let the helpers be creative with it," states Brown.

The student actors rehearse their blocking on a bare stage. However, when the creation of the set and the donning of the costumes are added, it can make all the difference when the actors are trying to channel the personalities of their characters. Henry Goldsmith plays the iconic Peter Pan and he explains. "For sure, I think when I have my costume and I see how realistic the set is, it will make me feel like I'm in it. I am Peter Pan, and not just acting like Peter Pan." Eighth grader, Amadea Friedl, plays Wendy Darling. Friedl also believes there is a magical transformation into character. "When I saw the costume and I see how the set is coming together, I can relate and get into that personality. Some scenes Wendy is bossy. In others, she is motherly and sweet." Friedl acknowledges Wendy's swing in personality can be her greatest challenge when trying to bring her to life on stage. Goldsmith also discloses his greatest challenge when acting. "The hardest thing is trying to act like I'm a little boy and everything I do is so amazing. My character thinks everything revolves around him."

The story of Peter Pan will fly to stage on March 12 at 7 pm, March 13 at 7 pm and March 13 at 2 pm. Tickets are $5 at the door. The play promises to make you feel like a kid again!

Basketball Team Serves Home For Children

After serving on the board at the Black Mountain Home for children for the last five years, I knew that it was a special place for our players to have an opportunity to serve, and fellowship with one another. Eyes were opened as the players heard testimonies of children who were growing up in a group home without their parents. Many tears were shed that night as they listened to the hardships that teenagers just like them, had to endure at no fault of their own. Our players connected with the children at the home through face painting and a pick-up game of basketball. Prior to the trip, players took the time to go through their gently used clothes, in order to donate to the Children's Home thrift shop.  Lastly, we did a two hour service project: raking leaves and helping clear out the yards on the campus. It's hard to put into words all that God did in each of our hearts. Jesus gives us many spiritual markers in our lives and this was one of them.  The time spent with these girls will go down as one of the most memorable times of my life. I cannot think of a more special group to share such spiritual and relational intimacy with than my players. Thank you PCA - we really are a school on Mission for Christ!

When asked about the time spent on the retreat, Olivia Horne said, "The retreat was a special time for both teams to grow closer and bond before playoffs.  God moved in big ways and it was a blessing to be able to serve the Black Mountain Home.  It helped us become one big family!"  Anna Jaye Walters commented, "I am so grateful that I got to grow deeper in my faith and closer to my teammates.  It opened my eyes and humbled me to see children who are facing hard obstacles but live with such joy and selflessness.  Experiencing it as a team made it so special."  Charlee Olsen reflected that "the trip was a great experience in so many ways.  It brought the two teams together as one and taught us to serve our community together.  It also grew us all in our faith tremendously."