Student Talent Set to Take Center Stage in MMSD High School Fall Productions

MADISON, Wis.—Over the coming weeks, student-performers across the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) will be stepping into the spotlight as all four comprehensive high schools present their annual fall theatrical productions.

Each school’s cast and crew have spent months preparing their shows, which range from classic works of Greek tragedy to contemporary adaptations and timeless comedies.

Robert M. La Follette High School (702 Pflaum Rd.) will present “Antigone” by Sophocles (translated by Anne Carson), a Greek tragedy that explores loyalty, justice and moral conviction as a young woman defies authority to honor her family. Shows run from Friday, Nov. 7 through Sunday, Nov. 9; tickets are available at lafollette.ludus.com.
Vel Phillips Memorial High School (201 S. Gammon Rd.) will stage “Out of the Frying Pan” by Francis Swann, a fast-paced comedy about six young actors sharing an apartment in New York City and the chaos that follows when their landlord discovers their plans to stage a play in the living room. Shows are Friday, Nov. 14 and Saturday, Nov. 15; tickets are available at memorial.ludus.com.
West High School (30 Ash St.) will perform “As You Like It” by William Shakespeare, which follows a spirited heroine who flees to the Forest of Arden, where love, disguise and wit intertwine. Shows are Friday, Nov. 14; Saturday, Nov. 15; Friday, Nov. 21 and Saturday, Nov. 22. Tickets are available at gofan.co/app/school/WI19194?activity=Performing%20Arts.
East High School (2222 E. Washington Ave.) will put on “The Odyssey” by Homer (adapted by Mary Zimmerman), the epic story of Odysseus’s perilous journey home through mythic adventures and themes of perseverance and identity. Shows run from Thursday, Dec. 11 through Saturday, Dec. 13; tickets are available at madisoneast.ludus.com.

Research shows that students who participate in the arts often demonstrate stronger academic performance, higher attendance rates and increased engagement in school. Studies of large cohorts of middle- and high-school students found that those with high arts involvement outperformed their peers on multiple academic and attitude measures.

“Theatre helps students collaborate, solve problems, be creative , develop resilience and adaptability and build confidence and communication skills,” said Dan Davidson, MMSD’s director of fine arts. “Our students and directors put in an incredible amount of effort, and it’s really inspiring to see.”

Davidson said the fall plays also highlight the essential role of arts education in developing well-rounded students. “The arts connect us to one another,” he said. “When our students tell stories on stage, they help us see and understand the world in new ways.”

All performances will be held in each school’s auditorium, several of which were renovated as part of the 2020 facilities referendum. Community members are encouraged to attend and experience the creativity, collaboration and dedication of MMSD’s student-artists.

For a full listing of arts-related programming happening across the district, please visit the Arts Events and Information page of the MMSD website.

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.