Educational Excellence Since 1912
Hamden Hall Country Day School
Educating students in PreSchool through Grade 12
Hamden Hall Country Day School
Educating students in PreSchool through Grade 12
Middle School Musical Returns to Stage
Live musical theatre returns to the stage and director/faculty member Karl Gasteyer could not be more ecstatic. The production titled Game Changers Cabaret will run December 10-11 at 7 p.m. in the Taylor Performing Arts Center.
“It is an incredible feeling to put live theater back on stage, even with precautions in place,” said Karl. “The students have been graciously stepping up, making sure all the work is done efficiently from stage design to camera work to props. It was really missed, and now we can bring the spirit of live theatre back to campus.”
The musical will be presented in a hybrid format with groups of students performing live on stage while video recordings of other performers are displayed in the background. To achieve this format, students spent time in the Taylor trailers learning choreography and dialogue. Rehearsals ran from September through December with time blocked off after school for all cast members involved. Green screens were placed in front of walls as students were recorded. The edited recordings will be playing throughout the live production.
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“It is an incredible feeling to put live theater back on stage, even with precautions in place,” said Karl. “The students have been graciously stepping up, making sure all the work is done efficiently from stage design to camera work to props. It was really missed, and now we can bring the spirit of live theatre back to campus.”
The musical will be presented in a hybrid format with groups of students performing live on stage while video recordings of other performers are displayed in the background. To achieve this format, students spent time in the Taylor trailers learning choreography and dialogue. Rehearsals ran from September through December with time blocked off after school for all cast members involved. Green screens were placed in front of walls as students were recorded. The edited recordings will be playing throughout the live production.
The dozens of student performers are excited to be back on stage as well. “It’s very special for us to be together again and perform for a live audience,” said one student. This year’s production is set with a diverse cast and has one of the largest crew numbers to date.
Game Changers tackles the topics of diversity and equality with the musical component being a compilation of various well-known Broadway songs that speak to the subject matter. When deciding on this year’s production, Karl said he was inspired by both current events and shows that changed the perception of Broadway including Hair, Showboat, West Side Story, and Hamilton to name a few.
Dr. Lisa Hill, Director of Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity, helped craft the written dialogue as to have a wide scope of discussions included. Karl further noted it was a collaborative effort with the students as “it is easier to create that fits the performers” rather than have students perform a conventional script.
Hamden Hall Country Day School
1108 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, Connecticut 06517
Phone: 203-752-2600
Fax: 203-752-2651
admissions@hamdenhall.org
Hamden, Connecticut 06517
Phone: 203-752-2600
Fax: 203-752-2651
admissions@hamdenhall.org
About Us
Hamden Hall Country Day School, located less than two miles from Yale University, is one of the best private schools in Connecticut to enroll elementary, middle, and high school students. Our nurturing and inclusive community provides a dynamic learning environment that promotes academic excellence by understanding each child and fostering their individual growth.
