Sarah Mather, a 16-year-old Bainbridge High student, recently performed as an ensemble performer in an all-student production on the stage of the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle.
The 5th Avenue Theatre wrapped up its professional production of Monty Python’s “Spamalot,” then raised the curtain again for an all-student production that featured more than 70 students from across Washington.
The Rising Star Project: Spamalot was an artistic collaboration and an educational program unlike any other in the country. Through the project, students passionate about musical theater were able to gain first-hand experience in the process of staging a professional musical.
Teen performers rehearsed with sets and costumes from the mainstage production of “Spamalot” as they learned the responsibilities of working in a professional theater.
Meanwhile, students also produced, developed and marketed the student production under the mentorship of The 5th Avenue staff.
They then celebrated their cumulative experience in three public performances on the historic 5th Avenue mainstage.
The Rising Star Project: Spamalot was presented March 14-15, and directed by Mathew Wright, with music supervision by Christopher D. Littlefield, music direction by Chris DiStefano, and choreography by Trina Mills, with Chris Ranney conducting.
For Wright, it was his third time directing the Rising Star Project.
“The students in the Rising Star Project are some of the most driven, passionate and intelligent young people I’ve ever met,” Wright said. “The growth they achieve over the course of this event goes so much further than learning a complicated dance step, how to fill a lyric with intention, or how to play a scene with life and drive — it’s a kind of deep personal growth that is hard to describe but incredible to watch — and the repercussions of which they will still feel years down the line.”
For the young actors, the production was professional through and through. The Rising Star Project: Spamalot utilized the original set and costume design by Tim Hatley, lighting design by Tom Sturge and Christian DeAngelis, sound design by Kai Harada, and hair and makeup design by Mary Pyanowski Jones.
“We have been so impressed with the level of talent and professionalism these students have presented,” added Director of Education Anya Rudnick. “Every teen at every level associated with this production had excelled above and beyond our expectations.”
