Avon High School to perform "Holes" by Louis Sachar

AVON – It’s not often that students have a chance to see a book they’re reading acted out live on stage. But on November 14 and 15, Avon High School students are giving district fifth graders exactly that. AHS students present “Holes,” which is based on the novel of the same name and is required reading for district fifth graders. But what’s even better than seeing a book you’re reading performed live on stage? Getting a sneak peak of the performance, meeting the characters and being able to ask them all sorts of questions. So on November 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., 300 Avon fifth graders will get a private viewing of the latest play out of AHS. The AHS students will get into full costume for their special visitors, perform three scenes of the play and be prepared to talk to and answer questions from the younger students all while staying in character.

Jill Paterson, AHS theater director, said when the AHS principal suggested doing the play, she immediately knew it was a good idea: “There is great potential to reach down to lower grade levels in the district to make curricular connections. And the play would be well received among the students because they really like the novel and most students and parents are familiar with the movie.”

The play also offers students much needed perspective on issues facing humanity both in the past and present day.

“I think it’s really important because it helps the kids to see events in a way that makes them relatable and believable and helps them make a connection between past and present. At the same time, the kids can get some real perspective on issues and hope that we’ve made some progress.”

Details of performance times and student visit:

When: Fifth Grade Visit With Characters and Private Showing November 10 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

AND Play Performances on November 14 and 15, 2014, at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Avon High School Auditorium, 510 West Avon Road, Avon, CT 06001.

Cost: Adults $10; Students and Seniors $5; Students who bring their copy of “Holes” $1. Tickets at the door.

For more information, contact Jill Paterson, AHS Theater Director at jpaterson@avon.k12.ct.us

Holes is about a boy, Stanley Yelnats, who is cursed with bad luck and convicted of a crime he did not commit. A judge gives Stanley the choice between jail or camp. Stanley chooses to go to Camp Green Lake in Texas, a juvenile detention camp. There he soon realizes there is something sinister behind the campers’ forced digging of holes in a dried up lake. Stanley and the other boys are determined to get to the bottom of it.