FOUNTAIN VALLEY : All Students Can Play a Part in Musical

Since teacher Nancy Barnes started putting on a spring musical production at Urbain H. Plavan Elementary School four years ago, she has given every student an equal chance to shine on center stage.

The casting call is open to any fourth- or fifth-grader desiring to perform--whether in regular education or special education.

Barnes, a speech and language therapist, said that for physically challenged students, being involved in a theater arts production has given them the encouragement “to do things they didn’t think they were capable of doing.”

“It makes them feel good about being part of a group,” said Barnes, who has been teaching for 18 years. “I think they feel pretty proud. It’s an accomplishment that they probably would have never even considered.”

Barnes added that the other students get the opportunity to work as a team with their physically challenged classmates and that the experience is positive and rewarding for everyone.

At a recent rehearsal for Plavan Players’ performance Thursday of “Jack & The Giant,” cast members--about 70, including stage crew--exuded energy, excitement and pre-show jitters.

“It makes me a little nervous,” said Shaun Starnes, 10, who is physically challenged and has a part in the chorus as a villager. The fourth-grade student said he auditioned because it makes him happy to be on stage.

“It makes me feel good about myself,” said Shaun, who uses a wheelchair.

Classmate Chris Richards, 10, who is also in a wheelchair and has a solo singing part, said that the only thing he worries about is “messing up.”

“It makes me nervous because of all the people who will be watching,” Chris said.

Barnes said the theater program, an after-school activity, is a valuable experience for all students. She said it helps in many areas, including communication and memory skills, interpersonal relationships, cooperation, creativity, expression and self-confidence.

It costs about $500 to put on the musical--not including a small stipend paid to Barnes for her time--and is paid by the school’s parent and teacher organization and from a state school improvement program.

This year, the number of students participating has doubled since the first production in spring, 1991, Barnes said.

The reason: “Kids see how fun it is,” said Bryan Caforio, 11, who plays a troll.

But Barnes said readying for the 90-minute production, which has parent and teacher support, is demanding on students. Rehearsals are three times a week for 10 weeks. Students with lead parts practice up to 4 1/2 hours a week.

“It’s a big commitment,” Barnes said because the young actors must take responsibility to learn their lines, dance steps and songs.

Fifth-grade student Michael Hanna, a regular education student who has a lead role playing “Jack,” agreed that it is difficult to learn lines and words to the songs.

“But once I remember them, I’m not frustrated, and you feel better,” he said.

Catherine Anderson, 11, who plays “Miss Priss” the cow, also said being in the musical is a lot of work.

“But it’s worth it in the end,” said the fifth-grade student. “When it all comes together, it’s a good feeling.”

The performance is at 7 p.m. at the school, 9675 Warner Ave. There is no admission charge, but donations will be accepted to offset production costs.