'We have to use our imaginations'

WALLACE — With 25 short plays based on fairy tales and folk stories, there were only so many props the students at Canyon Elementary could incorporate.

Carol and Paul Roberts of Grow Me A Story urged the second graders putting on “The Lion and the Mouse,” “The Gingerbread Man” and “The Poppy Seed Cakes” to push beyond the silliness of make-believe to bring the plays to life.

“We have to use our imaginations, that’s what theater’s all about," Carol Roberts said.

“Believe,” Paul Roberts said.

On Tuesday, the students experienced the chaos and excitement of rehearsing at the Sixth Street Melodrama and Theater as they ran through their scenes aided by Melodrama volunteers.

In addition to their performances, fourth and fifth graders took on tasks to support the production for families at the end of the week.

Lighting, sound effects, backstage technician work, prop master duties, ushering and concessions were divided up so the older students learned about the “whole theater experience.” 

Nestled high in the booth at the back of the theater, Frank Robinson marveled at the speed the students picked up new skills at the lighting board after a quick demonstration.

“Youngsters, they know what to do without you even saying it,” Robinson said.

Fifth grader Rhett Sager said after trying both jobs at the theater, he preferred technical work over acting.

Scarlett Bonner and Ken Bartle worked quickly and concisely, writing the names of the family members attending the final performances. Bartle has been involved in the theater since 1986.

With 85 seats in the house, the quiet organization came naturally to fourth grader Bonner.

“When I’m older, I want to do theater stuff because I like it,” Bonner said.

“She’s doing very well,” Bartle said.

While the acting was exciting for students, it was also a different perspective to step through the behind the scenes and learn what makes a theater run.

“They’re learning concessions, they’re learning lighting, they’re learning ticketing, all the things that really help,” Bartle said.

Third grade teacher Jamie Haralson said as part of the process, students get a taste of local history and culture while learning what they can do. 

“Paul and Carol were open to taking our students and introducing them to the world of melodramas by having them involved in all aspects of presenting one to our community," Haralson said. "We are so thankful for Paul and Carol's time, patience and knowledge in working with our kids."

The main mission of the Grow Me A Story business for the Robertses is to help students explore different kinds of creativity and perhaps even realize their love of theater.

Cast as the gingerbread man, second grader Joben Robb was someone Carol and Paul Roberts knew would have the energy to sprint into the audience around the theater while being chased at points throughout the story.

“He’s done gymnastics and he’s a quick study,” Carol said.

Watching kids light up when they performed was something that reinvigorated the experience for longtime Melodrama organizers. 

“It’s the next generation of actors on stage,” Bartle said.

    Fourth-grader Scarlett Bonner laughs as she finishes organizing tickets for performances with Ken Bartle in the lobby of the Sixth Street Melodrama and Theater.

    Wearing masks, third-graders Gunnar Visintainer, Emily Hammeren and Piper Usher act out "The House that Jack Built."
  

    Oakley Dumont plays the lion in a play as Paul Roberts directs Westin Mann, Asher Cramer and Sam Wendel on how to "hunt" the lion.

    Asher Cramer and Austin Wesche act out a scene from a short play based on "The Poppy Seed Cakes." Wesche's gloves portray a bird's beak snapping up food in the story.
  

    Paul and Carol Roberts of Grow Me A Story help Canyon Elementary students put on plays based on folk and fairy tales. In "The House That Jack Built" Emily Hammeren, Piper Usher, Morgan Johnson and Reese Robb recite the long list of people and creatures who wind up living in Jack's house together.
  

    Frank Robinson and fifth-grader Rhett Sager tackle the lights as the elementary students run through their short plays based on folk and fairy tales.