Three Summers of Friendship and Theatre: Gracie Returns to the Mother Seton Stage

Gracie, a rising seventh-grader at Holy Trinity School in Westfield, is a returning participant in Mother Seton Regional High School's Summer Theatre Program. This is her third summer with the program, which has become a defining part of her childhood and a source of lasting friendships and personal growth.

Gracie was first introduced to the program by her older sister, Leah, a rising senior at Mother Seton Regional High School. Over three summers, Gracie has appeared in Mother Seton's productions of Frozen Jr., Matilda Jr., and Disney's Aladdin Jr.

Beyond the performances themselves, Gracie values the friendships and community fostered by the program. She noted that student volunteers, castmates, and program leaders Mr. and Mrs. Carroll are "some of the kindest souls you'll ever meet." The program has provided Gracie with a welcoming environment to explore her talents, strengthen her confidence, and form lasting friendships.

"I have countless memories, inside jokes, and funny dances from this program," Gracie explained. "I am truly so thankful that I am part of this amazing show and that I am surrounded by so many kind people who care so much."

Those friendships continue after performances end, with Gracie often running into theatre camp friends during the school year when she visits Mother Seton. The program reflects a commitment to providing young performers with a supportive community where they can develop artistically and personally.

Mother Seton's Summer Theatre Program welcomes students from local elementary and middle schools into the performing arts community, offering opportunities to explore talents in various roles including performing, backstage work, lighting, sound, scenic projections, playbill design, choreography, and set building. Students like Gracie exemplify how the program creates multi-year pathways for young performers to grow in confidence and build lasting community connections.

Find more Clark education news, arts coverage, and student achievement profiles on Union County Life.

FAQ SECTION

Q: Who is Gracie?
A: Gracie is a rising seventh-grader at Holy Trinity School in Westfield who has participated in Mother Seton Regional High School's Summer Theatre Program for three consecutive summers.

Q: How did Gracie get involved with Mother Seton's theatre program?
A: Gracie was first introduced to the program by her older sister, Leah, a rising senior at Mother Seton Regional High School. Her sister's positive experience encouraged Gracie to join.

Q: What productions has Gracie performed in?
A: Over three summers, Gracie has appeared in Frozen Jr., Matilda Jr., and Disney's Aladdin Jr. productions through Mother Seton's Summer Theatre Program.

Q: What does Gracie value most about the program?
A: Beyond performing, Gracie values the friendships and welcoming community. She credits program leaders Mr. and Mrs. Carroll and student volunteers as "some of the kindest souls you'll ever meet."

Q: How has the program impacted Gracie personally?
A: The program has provided Gracie with a welcoming environment to explore her talents, strengthen her confidence, and form lasting friendships. She has countless memories and inside jokes from the program.

Q: Do friendships from theatre camp last beyond the summer?
A: Yes. Gracie often runs into theatre camp friends during the school year when she visits Mother Seton, showing that the program creates lasting connections beyond performances.

Q: What opportunities does Mother Seton's Summer Theatre Program offer?
A: The program welcomes students from local elementary and middle schools to explore various theatre roles including performing, backstage work, lighting, sound, scenic projections, playbill design, choreography, and set building.

Q: What does Mother Seton's program reflect?
A: The program reflects a commitment to providing young performers with a supportive community where they can develop artistically and personally, often across multiple summers.

Q: Where can I find more information about Mother Seton's theatre program?
A: Union County Life covers Clark education news and student achievement stories. Visit unioncountylife.com for more information on local schools and student accomplishments.