Dekeyser school play teaches
lessons in friendship

Sixth graders at DeKeyser Elementary presented the play “Sibling Switch” for their schoolmates and parents recently. The experience was an opportunity for them to learn about stage directions, acting tips, line delivery, timing, script reading, costume and set design, how to ad-lib and most important of all – the rewards of working together on a job well done.

The students were given creative license with the script and staging. After practicing for several weeks under the direction of teacher Pamela Pisha, everyone involved agreed the rewards were well worth the effort.

“It’s funny,” said Pisha said. “One student asked me what they would get for doing the play. I told them they would have everything they ever wanted when the audience applauds. After the performance, they knew what I meant. Not a better feeling in the world.”

Two DeKeyser students – one a pianist, the other a flutist – provided musical accompaniment, even composing a distinctive tune played during every magical scene.

The play teaches several lessons. The children learned the importance of taking time to help others because it’s the right thing to do and not because there might be a reward. They also learned to accept and respect people just as they are, to be grateful for what they have and that they can perform some magic of their own by really getting to know their siblings and other important people in their lives. 

Funds from selling DVDs of the performance enabled the cast and crew to “adopt” twelve books for the school library. 

Watch the video below for short clips of the play