Long Neck Elementary thespians present ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’

Theatergoers packed the house at Long Neck Elementary March 31 for the inaugural showing of the student drama club’s presentation of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”

The performance capped the first year of the new club, advised by art teacher Mindi Schultze and paraeducator Abbigail Crown.

“A lot of work was done in a few months,” Schultze said. “Students had to learn the way a theater works, acting skills and dance routines. Every piece of the set, even the hand-painted background, and all props were made completely by our club. It was a fantastic feat. We are so proud of our students.”

Being part of a theatrical performance helps students learn about character analysis, vocabulary, history and culture, teamwork and responsibility, said Crown, who acted in plays as a student at Sussex Central High School.

Determined to provide more opportunities in the arts at Long Neck Elementary, Schultze and Crown launched the club for students in grades three through five in the fall, and received 80 student applications.

Students were selected based on their grades, attendance and behavior, Schultze said.

“We made it a big responsibility and a reason to continue to do well in school,” she said.

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” was chosen because it is a fifth-grade book club option, Crown said. 

“When we were looking into scripts, we wanted to connect to something being done in the classroom,” she said.

The club was narrowed to 28 participants, who got to work right after winter break to audition for roles or indicate their preference to be stagehands or set designers.

Students created props from giant cardboard boxes and recycled materials like paper towel rolls. Pool noodles were transformed into giant lollipops with some paint and details. 

The club researched special effects and how to develop them for the stage. Schultze and Crown scoured thrift shops for costumes, and school staff members provided many materials in response to a call for costumes and equipment.

Fifth-grader Adrian Santiago, who played Grandpa Joe, said walking onto the set felt like walking into the movie.

“Like we were in the moment, actual characters,” he said.

Actors memorized 23 pages of lines in just weeks, Crown said, and surprised themselves with their memories when the scripts were removed.

Students said the experience allowed them to become even closer to their friends.

Fifth-grader Ethan Baranowski, who played lead character Charlie Bucket, said participating in the drama club inspires his personality. He had butterflies during the performance, but became comfortable as the play progressed.

“I told myself, ‘You can do this, it will be fantastic,’” he said. 

Students also learned how to react and go on with the show when unplanned events arise.

Bella Hittle, who played Violet Beauregarde, said her wig fell off when her character swelled after eating blueberry gum, and she had to roll with it.

Student director Jordyn Rickards served as Crown’s first assistant, helping where needed, and rehearsed lines with actors.

“It was cool to see actors get better when they practice and know more as they grow,” he said. 

Stagehand Jordan Marks said he was scared the audience would see him moving props and sets. 

“Some props broke before the show and we had to fix them,” he said.

Schultze and Crown are already planning for next year’s club and performance.

“I’m proud of what we pulled off at this little school,” Schultze said.