Teachers and Parents Cain't Say No To Returning for Fall Musical
Adults and students weaved together once again for the classic fan-favorite musical "Oklahoma!”
By Davis Jones
Adults and students weaved together once again for the classic fan-favorite musical "Oklahoma!”
By Davis Jones
The Advanced Drama class once again welcomes the Glue Factory for 2023’s fall musical fundraiser “Oklahoma!”
This year’s production welcomes back parents, staff and alumni as members of the Glue Factory who worked with the Advanced Drama students for the upcoming performance. The cast is eager for audiences to see all the time and effort that has been put into this classic fan-favorite musical when it opens on Oct. 25 and runs through Oct. 28.
Parent of a Pioneer drama alum, Mike Scaletta, portrays a farmer named Joe and feels the show has been a great way to meet fellow parents and develop new friendships.
“I have grown closer to a number of parents. We have formed a bond and it’s really nice to have new friends and it means a lot to me because it’s just another outlet for people to get to know each other,” said Scaletta.
Steve Sandis plays the town sheriff Cord Elam and has enjoyed getting to act alongside his child, Em Sandis, 11, who plays a farmer.
“Performing with my child is so much fun, and I’ve been looking forward to it for a whole year. My child has an incredible presence on stage, and I love watching them perform. Getting to do it with them is a thrill,” said Steve Sandis.
Many feel that The Glue Factory shows bring a unique atmosphere and community to the Performing Arts Center that is rarely seen on campus. Director and former drama teacher, Steve Dini, loves getting to watch the mixing of students and parents each year.
“You take the students’ energy and add that to the dedication of the Glue Factory members and you see chemistry and energy you don't see most other places,” said Dini. “It's really fun to watch the teamwork and encouragement the students and adults give each other. I sit back and enjoy this incredible synergy and it's very satisfying.”
Drama department director Ashley Coleman enjoys the opportunity her students have to get guidance and learn from the older members of the Glue Factory.
“One of my favorite elements of the Glue Factory musical is the opportunities for mentorship it creates. Adults were working with students in a capacity that is pretty rare to come by. The adults, comprised of staff, parents and alumni, provide guidance on and off stage using their expertise and knowledge to work collaboratively with the advanced drama students,” said Coleman.
The Glue Factory brings an opportunity for former Pioneer drama students to share the spotlight once again. English teacher Stephanie Harvey, who plays the farmer Ellen, has enjoyed getting to be on stage again.
“It’s definitely fun. It brings me right back to feeling like I’m a high schooler. It was always a really positive space so I really like reconnecting with my younger self again,” said Harvey.
Luke Jennings, 12, plays the cowboy Ike and enjoys getting to share the stage with former castmates returning as Glue Factory members.
“It’s always so much fun. I love getting to hang out and see them because I know a lot of them. I miss a lot of them on campus everyday, especially as a senior myself. It’s like all the people I’ve looked up to aren’t here anymore because it’s me. I’m the oldest one on campus so it’s fun to be with them. I think it’s fun to relive old times I guess,” said Jennings.
Both Dini and Coleman have loved getting to welcome coworkers and former students alike to the stage once more and are excited for audiences to see their hard work and dedication when “Oklahoma!” performances start on Oct. 25.
“I think I can speak for both Mr. Dini and myself when I say it's like welcoming your family home. To have alumni return to our stage after five, 10, 15, 20 years... it's a tremendous gift, and a testament to the environment we have worked to create and maintain for decades,” said Coleman. “Once a Mustang, always a Mustang.”
This year’s production welcomes back parents, staff and alumni as members of the Glue Factory who worked with the Advanced Drama students for the upcoming performance. The cast is eager for audiences to see all the time and effort that has been put into this classic fan-favorite musical when it opens on Oct. 25 and runs through Oct. 28.
Parent of a Pioneer drama alum, Mike Scaletta, portrays a farmer named Joe and feels the show has been a great way to meet fellow parents and develop new friendships.
“I have grown closer to a number of parents. We have formed a bond and it’s really nice to have new friends and it means a lot to me because it’s just another outlet for people to get to know each other,” said Scaletta.
Steve Sandis plays the town sheriff Cord Elam and has enjoyed getting to act alongside his child, Em Sandis, 11, who plays a farmer.
“Performing with my child is so much fun, and I’ve been looking forward to it for a whole year. My child has an incredible presence on stage, and I love watching them perform. Getting to do it with them is a thrill,” said Steve Sandis.
Many feel that The Glue Factory shows bring a unique atmosphere and community to the Performing Arts Center that is rarely seen on campus. Director and former drama teacher, Steve Dini, loves getting to watch the mixing of students and parents each year.
“You take the students’ energy and add that to the dedication of the Glue Factory members and you see chemistry and energy you don't see most other places,” said Dini. “It's really fun to watch the teamwork and encouragement the students and adults give each other. I sit back and enjoy this incredible synergy and it's very satisfying.”
Drama department director Ashley Coleman enjoys the opportunity her students have to get guidance and learn from the older members of the Glue Factory.
“One of my favorite elements of the Glue Factory musical is the opportunities for mentorship it creates. Adults were working with students in a capacity that is pretty rare to come by. The adults, comprised of staff, parents and alumni, provide guidance on and off stage using their expertise and knowledge to work collaboratively with the advanced drama students,” said Coleman.
The Glue Factory brings an opportunity for former Pioneer drama students to share the spotlight once again. English teacher Stephanie Harvey, who plays the farmer Ellen, has enjoyed getting to be on stage again.
“It’s definitely fun. It brings me right back to feeling like I’m a high schooler. It was always a really positive space so I really like reconnecting with my younger self again,” said Harvey.
Luke Jennings, 12, plays the cowboy Ike and enjoys getting to share the stage with former castmates returning as Glue Factory members.
“It’s always so much fun. I love getting to hang out and see them because I know a lot of them. I miss a lot of them on campus everyday, especially as a senior myself. It’s like all the people I’ve looked up to aren’t here anymore because it’s me. I’m the oldest one on campus so it’s fun to be with them. I think it’s fun to relive old times I guess,” said Jennings.
Both Dini and Coleman have loved getting to welcome coworkers and former students alike to the stage once more and are excited for audiences to see their hard work and dedication when “Oklahoma!” performances start on Oct. 25.
“I think I can speak for both Mr. Dini and myself when I say it's like welcoming your family home. To have alumni return to our stage after five, 10, 15, 20 years... it's a tremendous gift, and a testament to the environment we have worked to create and maintain for decades,” said Coleman. “Once a Mustang, always a Mustang.”