When the lights dimmed and the first notes began, a group of students who had spent months preparing stepped into something much bigger than a performance. For many of them, this was a moment they had been working toward for a long time.
After months of rehearsals, students at Village Glen School brought Newsies to the stage, showcasing their singing, acting, and dancing in both a matinee for friends and an evening performance for the broader community.
“Theater gives our students a place where they can grow in confidence and feel connected to something bigger than themselves. Watching that happen throughout the production is incredibly meaningful,” shared Charlotte Bashner, Music Teacher.
What made the production even more meaningful was how many students were part of the experience beyond the spotlight. Students learning carpentry built the sets, others painted the backdrops, and Bridgeport students supported the performances by selling snacks and programs. It was a true community effort and a reflection of what’s possible when students are given space to contribute in different ways.
At the center of the story was Liam, who took on the lead role after a personal journey that began very differently. When he first came to Help Group, he was struggling with depression and anxiety. Over time, Liam found his way into theater, starting with a role as the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz. That experience sparked something, a place to express himself and build confidence.
“When I got my role I legit screamed, because I was so excited. The way that (Jack) shields his emotions reflects what I used to do before,” Liam said.
Like any production, the road to opening night presented challenges, setbacks, and moments that tested the group. But the students showed up for each other. They stayed committed, worked through the ups and downs, and ultimately created something they could all be proud of. Liam did an incredible job of supporting his castmate Sabrina throughout the show, when she had under 3 hours to learn her lines as an understudy.
Sabrina is a resident of Project Six, Help Group’s therapeutic treatment home for youth. Newsies provided her the opportunity to demonstrate significant growth. She served as the understudy for both female roles and stepped in as Katherine Plumber when another student experienced anxiety and was unable to perform. Sabrina delivered strong performances in both the matinee and evening shows. During the performances, several of her peers from Project Six enthusiastically supported her, which appeared to further boost her confidence. Following the show, Sabrina was visibly proud of her accomplishment and expressed a sense of personal achievement.
Behind every strong production is someone making sure everything runs smoothly when the curtain goes up. For Newsies, that person was Gracie.
Gracie is a student at Village Glen who served as the stage manager and head of the tech team, working closely with the director throughout the production. She helped guide the build process for sets, coordinated costumes and props, and managed key behind-the-scenes elements during performances, including lighting and set changes. Gracie first got involved in theater at the start of high school as an elective, initially looking for a way to get out, stay busy, and connect with others. She had acted in a school play in elementary school, but over time realized she felt more at home behind the scenes than on stage. Through her role, she developed both practical and emotional skills, and she believes those experiences will continue to support her in future academic and professional settings.
By the final curtain, it was clear this was more than a show. It was a moment that showed just how far these students have come and what they’re capable of when they’re given the chance.
“Watching our students take the stage in Newsies was incredibly powerful. They poured so much hard work, heart, and determination into this production, and it showed in every moment of the performance,” added Ms. Bashner.
