We had the privilege of attending the Stratford Festival’s production of Wendy and Peter Pan, a modern version of the well-loved story told from Wendy's perspective. Following this, Cynthia Jimenez Hicks, the actor who played Wendy, joined our drama class for an interactive workshop. During her two-hour session, she shared insights into stage combat, showing students how to layer dialogue with choreography to create realistic, thrilling scenes. Cynthia’s infectious energy left students inspired and encouraged. 

The students’ post-show reflections revealed just how impactful the experience was. Many enjoyed the interactive pre-show workshop, where they learnt about the flying harnesses. These behind-the-scenes glimpses into the play’s mechanics and the director's choices deepened their appreciation for the power and impact of live theatre. For others, the play and its characters, like Captain Hook and the addition of another Darling sibling who died early on in the play, expanded their understanding of creative storytelling.

“Watching the show was amazing! I loved the new twist on the classic story, which was brilliantly done,” said one student. Another student commented on how watching live theatre helped his understanding of how to apply the skill she had been learning prior to the visit: “Seeing the actors helped me notice how they used different voice levels and emotions, which I want to try in my own scenes.” 

The workshop with Cynthia, where students used pool noodles as swords, left an equally strong impression. “The sword fighting was so much fun!” commented one student, and others reflected on how the workshop’s interactive elements, like character games and group challenges, offered valuable insights into teamwork in drama.  One student said, “I learned to trust my scene partners and bring my imagination to life on stage.”

As the drama teacher at NCC for the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of participating in Stratford’s teacher program, which provides excellent professional development. In late August, teachers from across Ontario join in a three-day programme with workshops led by Festival artists, where we delve into various aspects of theatre production. Previewing the season’s shows helps us select the most impactful performances for our students, and the follow-up artist workshops bring fresh energy into our classrooms. It’s an incredible program, and I’m grateful to the Stratford Festival for this rich opportunity.