Reflections on Interim–Taking Risks and Facing Challenges in a Safe Space
| 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 facing and meeting the challenges presented by producing an All-School Musical. As “Being Challenged” is one of TSA’s three basic tenets, the Interim experience has proven to be an
Tommi Hoyt as Davie in Newsies Photo courtesy of Geoff Hansen
invaluable component of the TSA curriculum. “Interim is the best and hardest part of the entire year,” Tommi Hoyt ‘19 observed. “You have to become a better version of yourself during those two weeks so that you can help the people around you succeed…The amount of growth you see in people (and yourself) that comes out of just two weeks is indescribable.”
One of the hallmarks of The Sharon Academy is to provide safe opportunities for constructive risk-taking. This is not an oxymoron. Safe risk-taking requires students to push themselves to overcome fear and discomfort, but with safety nets and guidance. Performing in public, one of the most challenging activities for many people, and producing the All-School Musical in such a short period of time present such challenges in a unique way. Seniors take the lead on every aspect of the production process, but adults are present to provide feedback when asked and students are reminded to support each other. Kaylee Starke-Meredith”19 explained, “Throwing a bunch of awkward, self-conscious teenagers into the (sometimes) organized chaos that comes with stopping classes and putting on a musical in two weeks seems like it would result in something mediocre. But somehow, every single person in the TSA community is able to put aside all self-consciousness and doubt to put on the show.”
Alex Ostrowski in Newsies Rehearsal
Adults aren’t the only source of support. The all-school structure enables students to interact with all grades. Seniors are explicitly tasked with training the next class for leadership, and talent and experience exist in all grades. Alex Olszewski ‘19 recounts the advice he received to help him overcome his fears.“I remember as a freshman I was not a big fan of dancing, this lead to me being hesitant on how much I wanted to do in Interim. However, I was given advice by older students… no matter what you do, give it everything you got. This advice was just what I needed ..”
For those who have participated in the All-School Musical all four years, the appreciation for the Interim process doesn’t seem to wane. Fisher Kelley ‘19 remembers each one fondly and appreciates the challenge of building something from nothing. “I … love seeing how the show grows as the two weeks progress, and it’s fascinating to see something improve day by day, and knowing that you are a part of that is even better.”
Fisher Kelley leading the cast as Jack Kelly in Newsies Photo courtesy of Geoff Hansen
Fisher’s growth through the years ultimately resulted in his taking the lead role in this year’s production of Newsies: The Musical, where his confidence shone through. People often comment on the unusually high maturity level of TSA graduates. TSA believes strongly that the unique challenge of an Interim production of an all-school musical is a major factor in this outcome.
To see more Reflections, click
- Reflections on Interim–Revealing Oneself and Learning About Others
- Reflections on Interim–Interim–Valuing Others and Being Valued
Learn more about the All School Musical and visit the Newsies facebook page to get a flavor of this year’s process.