Wellington Exempted Village Schools are bringing more vibrancy to its language arts curriculum.
Wellington High School began a partnership with MAD Factory Theatre Co.
The non-profit theatre production company is based in Oberlin, 39 S. Main St., No. 310, and has a mission to empower and inspire people of all ages through music, arts and drama.
Wellington High School ninth-grade classes will partner with MAD to bring dramatic arts education into the district.
Nina Fisher is the program director for MAD Factory Theatre Co.
“I’m so thankful to Wellington Schools for taking the leap on this project,” Fisher said. “There’s so much social, emotional learning that goes on as a part of the arts and it’s so important to the development of teenagers.”
The program is in its third week and has been well received by students, said Fisher.
“Students have been really receptive with what we’re presenting to them,” she said. “It’s all about teamwork and it takes an open mind to make it happen. They’re doing a great job.”
English and language arts teacher Holly O’Daley said she is very excited for the program.
“It’s not an extra addition but we’re simply enriching what we’re already doing,” O’Daley said. “Poetry and drama are meant to be performed, and it’s great because we get to really relate and connect with the text.”
She said the school experience has shifted during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
“Schooling during COVID has been hard for all of us, and we’re in a funk,” O’Daley said. “We needed the help and energy, and I believe the arts is where that burst will stem from.”
Students are exploring writing and theater through acting out poems and monologues that speak to relevant life situations.
Fisher said students are using improv and confidence-building theater games to help create a safe space for them to speak openly about issues that they are confronted with.
O’Daley said it’s a great way to get students engaged.
“It’s so wonderful because nearly all of our students are very excited to participate and step out of their element,” she said. “It’s only the third session but I can already see growth and students beginning to open up.
“We can really tell they’re having fun with it.”
O’Daley said she hopes to continue the partnership past the allotted nine-week period.
“I’m hoping we’re able to continue this partnership because we could do so many wonderful things together,” she said. “It’s a beautiful work in progress to witness.”
The program will culminate with the students performing their original works in the future for an audience at Wellington’s Patricia Lindley Performing Arts Center.
