Every year in the few weeks before Christmas break, NDP announces what the Middle Level play will be. This year’s choice was Annie. After the show is picked, auditions and callbacks are held, and everyone in the Middle Level is very anxious about the cast list. When the cast list is posted, rehearsals are set and the practice begins!
There are different types of practices, such as blocking, singing, and dancing. Most of the cast is needed for every practice, so sometimes it can be a bit chaotic. Most days of the week are used, including some Saturdays! This is why, if you want to join the play, you have to be committed and hard working. Through the hard work and dedication, a wonderful production is made.
The Middle Level play is not just about the rehearsals and the performances. For one thing, it teaches the importance of efficiency. With two hour practices, fitting in homework and projects sometimes seems like a daunting task, but it actually helped in some cases. Last year, the Middle Level play was The Little Mermaid. It was the first production I had done with NDP, and I thought the homework was going to be very challenging, but after the play ended, I found that I had more time after finishing my homework than ever before! The play also creates a true bond between the cast members. After being together for so long and rehearsing so many times, there is a friendship between the cast members, and you will always remember them.
Even though it’s just the beginning, I believe that the Middle Level’s performance of Annie is going to be a wonderful and outstanding production!