MS Actors Light Up the McCray Theatre

Under the direction of Middle School Drama Teacher Trent Williams, Grade 7 and 8 students delighted audiences with a performance of Shakespear’s Midsummer Night’s Dream in the McCray Theatre in January. Trent comments, “I am so proud of my students. Shakespeare is difficult but their willingness to meet the challenge made it easy!”

This performance, the first since the McCray was fully renovated over the summer, was enhanced by new Broadway-calibre lighting and improved versatility overall. Its relatively small size with seating for up to 70, provides an intimate venue where audience members can readily see the nuanced facial expressions and gestures of these young actors.

 This contrasts with Upper School productions, which are performed in theatres at a much bigger scale. Trent comments, “This is one of the most advanced technical theatre spaces available to Middle School students in NYC.” During eight weeks of rehearsal students were able to work with professional set, costume and lighting designers. They had opportunities to see these dedicated professionals at work, whether taking costume measurements or experiments with lights.

At the start, Trent explained to students that as actors they must fully understand their lines in order for the audience to understand. A lightbulb moment occurred during the final week's rehearsal when a few people watching started to laugh. At first, the actors were confused and slightly offended. Trent recalls, “I jumped in to congratulate them and remind them this was exactly the point – they understand and are understood!”

The McCray Theatre is named for Joyce McCray, the first female and non-Quaker Principal, who served from 1977 to 1989. The McCray Theater is an enduring reminder of her contributions and her personal love of theater. Head of School Bo Lauder reflects, “It is gratifying to know that this important resource for students, which came about through philanthropic support, has been fully modernized and continues to inspire performers and audiences alike!”