Knightly News

“The joy you see on stage comes from the hours of hard work, learning and re-learning.” Visual & Performing Arts Director Paige Gagliano

If you’ve attended an Episcopal theater production, you know the joy, vibrant colors, energy and magic that happens as students perform. There is something remarkable about watching Lower School students hit their marks and Middle School students confidently sing solo parts. The performances are occasions that students and families will remember for years to come. Equally important to remember are the hours of rehearsals that come before each performance. Rehearsals are where the real magic actually happens.

Lessons Learned through Adversity

Visual & Performing Arts director Paige Gagliano says preparing a student production is hard work. The 128 Lower and Middle School students presenting “Aladdin Jr.” later this month have already spent hours tackling choreography and learning lines. It is difficult, and students may fail at first and grow frustrated. While performing on the VPAC stage is incredibly rewarding, rehearsals aren’t always fun. Despite that, the student thespians are enthusiastic. As Gagliano recently discussed a difficult rehearsal with cast members, an eighth grader interjected, “I had fun today!” There was universal agreement from the others. Gagliano says that enthusiasm in the face of adversity and the lessons learned in theater are valuable.

The theater experience helps students develop empathy from the shared journey of daily two hour rehearsals. Spending so much time together also helps students develop better communication skills and learn to focus and follow instructions. Gagliano says it takes determination and perseverance to keep trying. It also takes the courage to fail. “They love talking about the failures,” Gagliano says of the students. She says they refer to those failures as the “cart crash stories,” and each production has one. Looking back, students can laugh at those moments that at the time seemed overwhelming and impossible. Ultimately, the hard work pays off and as the curtain closes on the final night, they are proud of what they have accomplished.

Audiences don’t generally witness the rough drafts of a play production. What they do see is the beauty of the costumes donated by families who want to lend a hand, the passion of the adults who have worked tirelessly to help students dig deep and the emotions of the young actors who achieved what they only imagined possible a few short weeks ago. The young cast of “Aladdin Jr.” will soon experience the same feeling. 

Celebrating Success

“All of these kids are so great,” says Gagliano with the expression of a theater mom. It is quite the accomplishment for third through eighth graders to perform a play like “Aladdin Jr.” and Gagliano says audiences are in for a treat. The characters are “funny and ridiculous,” there are big numbers and audience participation. “The set is outrageous,” says Gagliano regarding Technical Theater Director Louis Gagliano’s set, which includes a balcony, window and marketplace. “It is insane,” she says with enthusiasm.

We invite you to join us for “Aladdin Jr.” on the VPAC stage this November. After hours of rehearsing, the performers will make everything appear effortless. However, these young performers have worked hard to tell the tale and pushed themselves beyond their comfort zones. Once you appreciate that, you can more fully understand the magic of student theater.

Tickets are On Sale Now!

“Aladdin Jr.” in the Episcopal VPAC

Sunday, November 14th at 2:00 pm

Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, November 15th – 18th at 6:30 pm

Wednesday, November 17th at 9:30 am

Click here to purchase tickets.

To purchase performance gifts for students, click the Arts Krewe link here.

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2025-2026 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.