New Fairfield Elementary School is ringing with the songs from Annie, with a large cast having just completed a four-performance run of the musical’s junior version in the first elementary production since the pandemic. Fresh off a successful fall production of the same musical featuring New Fairfield Middle School (NFMS) students, director and producer Angela Sbano was excited to offer the opportunity to younger performers, and all were happy to present the invitation-only show to their friends and family.

This musical took some serious effort, with 26 students—five in 3rd grade, 10 in 4th, and 11 in 5th—rehearsing for four months, versus what was a short two- to three-month rehearsal period for NFMS students. They met three times per week for 90 minutes, each with a full script and ready to learn. The lengthy January-April rehearsal period allowed them to engage in “acting technique lessons, games, such as improv, memorization, talent shows, etc., which also allowed me a chance to see the kids in a relaxed state for their ‘audition,’” Angela explained. She went on to say, “I taught three after-school theater classes at the elementary school last year, so I knew what to expect in terms of their capabilities, but whatever I thought they could handle, they far exceeded my expectations for this show!” The kids are performing two evening shows for family and close friends by invite only (due to space considerations), and two in-school assembly performances for the elementary school.

Tomorrow, I Think I’m Gonna Like it Here, You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile…this show is chock full of favorites. When asked what songs the kids loved the most, Sbano shared that they “tend to really love the big dance numbers such as Hard Knock Life and NYC.” Having just run the show at the older level, she added, “getting to use some of those same sets and costume pieces was a big plus for them! With smaller kids, a smaller stage, and smaller backstage areas we had to downsize a lot of the items and bring in some new costumes and sets and props, which fits the show to a T!”

The show was a major undertaking in a number of ways, not the least of which was resurrecting a fully working stage, as the space was used for storage during the construction of the new addition at the elementary school. It was a labor of love for Sbano though, who has upped the level of opportunities for theater and drama exponentially in recent years. “I’m delighted to be able to bring theater opportunities to the younger kids of New Fairfield!,” she remarked, sharing “When we moved here from Brooklyn in 2021, I figured there would already be extracurricular theater programs in the town, so when I realized there wasn’t one yet I was happy to start up a simple middle school drama club in 2022 with just 8 kids” from which the opportunities have grown.

In a fairly short span, a steady theater-kid pipeline has been established from third grade through the high school, which is now being fed by older students working with younger ones. For Annie, Jr., NF high and middle school students served in tech and set roles, while the summer camp opportunities Sbano offers will largely be run by NFHS Rebel Player alumni. “Our camp last year saw several recent-grads return to help, and this year we are going all-in with a fully alumni-led camp! While I am onsite full time as Camp Director and Producer, I will have college kids as choreographer, show director, music director, costumer, stage manager, etc! These kids are all studying music/theater/vocal performance etc., in college, and offering them a paid summer job in the field they are studying is just so cool to me!”

The  full-day, M-F camp will run three weeks, to create a production of Mean Girls, Jr. “The camp bridges the three schools by having rising 5th – 9th graders be included. We still have about 10 spots open!,” Sbano added.  To sign up, TBD.

Sbano shared that she is “grateful to the families, the administration, and the various community members who make all this possible.” She went on to “encourage anyone in town who enjoys any aspect of musical theater to reach out and get involved! It’s a fun way to spend a few months, and the kids can’t do it without lots of grown-ups’ help! You can reach me at sbano.angela@newfairfieldschools.org.”

Reflecting on the experience of moving here and working with so many kids over the past few years, she said, “If you had asked me then if I would have gone on to start camps, classes, and full shows at all levels, including the elementary grades, I never would have believed you! I am delighted that there is so much interest in town, and I am so proud to have been able to get all these various programs off the ground, and so grateful for the support of the community!”