Reflections on Interim–Revealing Oneself and Learning About Others
| Each fall, between the first and second quarter, The Sharon Academy spends an intensive two weeks to produce an all-school musical. During this Interim period, instead of attending classes, students collaborate to implement all aspects of a live performance that culminates in a final production at The Chandler Music Hall in Randolph, VT. In the words of Head of School Michael Livingston, “It’s a process I relish and treasure. It is one of the most authentic reflections of learning I have ever seen or experienced.”
In the program notes, Seniors share their reflections on what it takes to produce an “All-School Musical” and what they gain from the process. This is one of a three-part series of TSA Stories focusing on how the Interim experience encourages students to be known, valued and challenged. |
Several of the “Senior Reflections” that appeared in the program notes of the 2018 production of Newsies: The Musical highlighted students’ experiences of revealing themselves to others and learning about others. As “Being Known” is one of TSA’s three basic tenets, the production of an All-School Musical has proven to be an invaluable component of the TSA curriculum for its ability to foster this principle.
Could another course or activity provide the same opportunity for students (and faculty) to know others and to be known? Even in a small school students tend to gravitate toward those who share obvious connections, whether academic, social or extra-curricular. Opportunities to reveal new parts of themselves and to discover less obvious connections with others develops empathy and builds community. The process of producing a musical is just such a unique opportunity. It demands a range of creative talent and experience not usually exercised or revealed during the normal school year.
The revelations and interactions that happen during the two weeks of Interim, through producing the All-School Musical, often shift the social dynamic when students return to classes in the new quarter. Reflecting on the 2018 production of Newsies: The Musical, Olivia Lober ‘19 observed, “Though I was apprehensive, I watched as social barriers disappeared and I made connections with people in every grade, and I fell in love with Interim… As a senior, I look back with joy at all the opportunities Interim has provided me to be a friend, leader, and team member. My class’s growth over these four years has been immense, and though it is our last Interim, I know this experience has provided us with valuable tools we can use moving forward in our lives.”
Olivia Lhundup-Zebo as Les in Newsies Photo courtesy of Geoff Hansen
Starting high school is a challenging transition for all students, so TSA takes deliberate steps to help students get to know the school and each other during orientation days (days set aside at the beginning of the school year for students and teachers to focus on getting to know each other). TSA understands that the process of community building can’t rely on a single event, thus, the All-School Musical is deliberately scheduled early in the school year because of its transformational effect on the community. Olivia Lhudup-Zebo ‘19 recalled, “I joined TSA last year as a junior, and before Interim I was having a hard time reaching out and connecting with people. I even wondered if I’d made the right choice to switch schools half-way through high school. Then Interim started. I joined the dance corps and chorus, and went into the first week not knowing what to expect.” Olivia continued, “after Interim when I walked into school I felt more grounded than I had ever felt. As a community we had struggled together to make something we were extremely proud of. It was intense and there were times when I was annoyed and stressed, but I’m so so so grateful for Interim because it helped me find my voice and connect with people I might not have otherwise.”
The process of community building never ceases. TSA presents several opportunities through the year for strengthening the community but the timing and process of the All-School Musical is unique for its effectiveness at solidifying the student body, Hailey Swett ‘19 captured this universal cycle of getting to know people and becoming known in this way, “So many friendships have begun or been strengthened because of Interim, the enormous amount of time we all spend together, and taking on a challenge that is bigger than anything anyone of us could accomplish alone. Though it sounds a bit cliché, Interim truly does build community, and TSA would not be the same without it.”
To see more Reflections, click:
- Reflections on Interim–Valuing Others and Being Valued
- Reflections on Interim–Taking Risks and Facing Challenges in a Safe Space
Learn more about the All School Musical and visit the Newsies facebook page to get a flavor of this year’s process.