Update: Performance Today; Roseville Community Ed Students Learning About Theater Production, One Another

The kids were wide-eyed and animated; they were pounding tall bamboo poles on the floor as they danced to the rhythmic beat of a Karen song. 

Some were Karen, refugees from war-torn Myanmar/ Burma. Others were native Minnesotans, transplants from other states, or immigrants from other countries. Some were almost teenagers, others nine or 10.

All are students in Roseville Area Schools. This summer, they’re learning about each other. And they are learning all aspects of a stage production – song, dance, costume design, stage props, promotion, video production.

The students, on stage at the Roseville Area Middle School Theater recently, were rehearsing a production entitled “Bridges to Friendship.” The performance, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. today (July 27), includes students from various Roseville Area Schools Community Education Youth programs.  

The performance, at Roseville Middle School, is free and open to the public.

The event is funded by grants from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council (MRAC) and the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

A primary focus of the performance will be on Karen students, refugees from Myanmar/Burma. In the past three years, 118 Karen families have moved to the district; and 330 students are enrolled in the district.

"These people have a strong cultural identity through their music and dance. They are eager to share their art as well as learn more about American cultural arts,” said Stacey Dahlstrom, a community education manager. 

But the performance isn’t limited to the stage. The district’s summer Glee program is operating five “camps” to educate students on all aspects of production. Students who like to perform signed up for vocal or choreography camps. Those with technical skills worked on graphic design projects to promote the production or designed props or costumes.

Finally, some students chose a video-journalism class, and are recording all aspects of the production.They will produce a DVD of the event. ast week, digital cameras in hand, the students were recording the rehearsal.

“I’d give that one a six or seven,” shouted director Sara Nystuen to the kids on the stage as they completed the number. “Do you know why it’s not a nine or 10?”

“Because we’re not smiling!” shouted a dark-eyed little girl. They started the number again, and they smiled. The dancers smiled. A panel of kids who are singing smiled. Kids who are taking photographs smiled. Together they rated a 10.