Lights, Camera, Action!

by Erin Lentz

When the curtain rises at Hilton Head Christian academy (HHCA), the audiences do, too! The acting acumen and musical productions keep getting better and better. The growing popularity of the HHCA Arts Program is a direct correlation to the enthusiasm Michelle McElroy, last year’s teacher of the year, has ignited in the students. Michelle stepped into her new role as theater director last year after directing Cinderella and assisting the former theater director and mentor, Rhonda Stones, with the 2014 production of Annie. Her passion for theater is contagious, and frankly, all in the details, as evidenced by her personal investment to each and every show. She gives equal attention to casting, direction and production and her shows are known for beautiful sets, costumes, choreography, music and talent.

Much like a proud parent, Michelle gushes about her talented and blossoming drama brood. In addition to HHCA shows like Once Upon A Mattress and Beauty and the Beast, many of these student performers have found their way into various community theater productions, including Grayson Lentz in The Magnolia Theater’s sold-out run of Fiddler On The Roof and his sister, Elliott Lentz in Main Street Youth Theater’s Schoolhouse Rock Live. 

Last spring, HHCA drama and music students were represented for the second year in a row at the Island School Council for the Arts’ Rising Stars program at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. There, eighth grader Elliott Lentz was the recipient of the Broadway Dreams Foundation Scholarship Award. Her award included travel to New York City for a week long intensive, which included acting, vocal and dance instructed by veteran Broadway actors. The week culminated with a showcase performed for industry representatives and agents. 

As the school year came to a close, a group of 16 students, grades 6-12, traveled to Orlando where they took part in Disney’s Broadway Magic Workshop. The avid thespians learned “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” from Mary Poppins, a number they performed in August at Back To School Night. 

For many of Michelle’s students, taking a summer break from drama was not an option they wanted to explore. Some discovered local opportunities to hone their craft and enhance their resumes. Senior Henry Clark and 7th grader Caden Becker joined Benjamin Wolfe’s Savannah Summer Theater Institute, an audition-based, two-week program. Henry (Carl the Giant) and Caden (Young Will) were immersed in every aspect of the final production, Big Fish, acquiring skills both on and off the stage. The actors were privy to a session with the author of the book Big Fish. Lydia Fuller and Lauren Shand shined behind the scenes, running spotlights for the performances. 

After an exciting run of Beauty and the Beast last spring, Junior Rebecca Donaldson landed a lead role with the area’s new and only traveling theater company, Coastal Stage Productions. Rebecca’s dramatic interpretation of her spirited character rivaled that of Goldie Hawn’s performance in the movie adaptation. 

Comedic actor and senior Matthew Dennis returned to school this year sporting a military-style buzz cut because he had been enlisted as a cast member and principle actor in May River Theater’s (MRT) acclaimed summer production of No Time For Sargeants. This marked Matthew’s second MRT production. He has been celebrated for his lead roles in HHCA plays and musicals in addition to being the school emcee.

Michelle thoroughly enjoyed sitting in the audiences for her students’ numerous summer projects, but also stayed busy delving into her own theater endeavor in the role of stage manager alongside Director Benjamin Wolfe for his production of Always Patsy Cline, performed at MSYT. 

Local theater lovers can look forward to another fabulous year of the arts. HHCA drama students Rebecca Donaldson (Grandma), Matthew Dennis (Fester), Jaycee Robinson (understudy for Wednesday, Ancestor), Elliott Lentz, Ty Robinson and Kelsey Werthen (Ancestors) can be seen performing in the October 2-11th run of The Addams Family at Main Street Youth Theater. Jaycee is best known as the lead in Annie in 2014 and has appeared in many HHCA productions alongside fellow cast member and brother, Ty.

Michelle just announced the cast for the upcoming HHCA middle school production of Aladdin Jr. Cast members include: Daniel Harrington (Aladdin); Chloe Izant (Jasmine); and Caden Becker (Genie). The show will run November 12-13. She is also gearing up for the March production of Broadway favorite Guys-n-Dolls. Michelle and jazz band and choral leader James Barry will be teaming up for several arts showcases, which include: Evening of The Arts; Honors Concert; Annual Talent Show; and Spring Showcase with compilations in jazz and musical theater, featuring student musicians, vocalists and actors. 

It is almost certain that new stars will be born at HHCA this year and Michelle will continue to receive her own well-deserved, standing ovations for an exceptional theater program filled with eager young performers.