When the curtain closed on Greece! The Musical, it wasn’t just the end of another school production—it was a celebration of creativity, teamwork, and the incredible growth of some middle school students at Nagoya International School. With a mix of humor, music, and mythology, the show brought Mount Olympus to life and showcased the talents of a dedicated cast and crew. But beyond the laughs and applause, the true success of the production lay in the friendships formed, the challenges overcome, and the confidence gained by every student involved.
Drama teacher Chris saw “Greece! The Musical” as the perfect fit for this year’s middle school production. With a tight rehearsal schedule, the script’s 50-hour practice requirement made it a practical choice while still offering a theatrical experience that would inspire the students. “I wanted something funny and upbeat, and this one made me laugh out loud,” she shared. The play also tied into the middle school drama curriculum, incorporating Greek choral work that students had already been exploring in class.
From auditions in November to final performances in March, students poured their energy into rehearsals, learning lines, choreography, and songs. While scheduling conflicts and retreats made February a tough month to stay on track, the cast and crew demonstrated resilience and commitment. The result? A performance that was as fun to perform in as it was funny to watch!
The production featured nine lead actors from middle school, many of whom took on multiple roles. But the magic of the show extended far beyond the spotlight. Behind the scenes, a team of high school students—grades 9 through 11—handled set painting, costumes, lighting, and stage management, forming a true cross-grade collaboration. Even teachers and administrators joined in, lending their sewing skills to help create vibrant costumes that added to the show’s visual appeal and sets that conjured the scenes of ancient Greek myths.
For Katie, Gr 11, this was the second time to be in the role of stage manager and assistant director, “I am very grateful to have been provided with this opportunity…to have responsibility in the process of assisting with the production of the show. It has given me the chance to get to know more students at school, and showcase my love for the arts.”
“The older kids really stepped up,” Chris noted. “They supported the younger students, and even the older middle schoolers guided the newer sixth graders. It was incredible to see friendships grow across grade levels.”
The impact of the musical reached far beyond the stage. From problem-solving backstage to embracing risk-taking in front of an audience, students developed key Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills central to the MYP curriculum. Spontaneity, collaboration, and adaptability became second nature as students learned to adjust on the fly—whether handling costume changes, recovering forgotten lines, or troubleshooting technical hiccups.
For many, the experience was transformative. Parents shared how their children grew in confidence, and some even discovered a newfound love for drama. The inclusive nature of the production ensured that all students, regardless of experience or English proficiency, had a role to play. “English isn’t your first language? Let’s work on pronunciation, diction, and projection,” Chris explained. “A traditionally ‘male’ role? No problem—let’s embrace it. There was a role for everyone, as long as they were willing to put in the work.”
As Olivia, Gr 6, reflected, “The best part was when we finally put everything together—music, props, and all the scenes. I feel we make the characters alive sometimes, I even thought I was on Mount Olympus! Also, when I heard the audience clapping, I felt proud of myself, and I am so glad that I have such a great team to work with. The biggest challenge was that while we made some little mistakes onstage, we needed to be calm, keep acting, and pretend nothing happened.”
With just two years at NIS, Chris is on a mission to grow the secondary theater program, not just as a performance opportunity but as a community-building experience. She envisions a future where more students are involved, both on stage and behind the scenes, and where the whole school community is clamoring to get a seat for the performance. She also hopes to explore more shows that have real-life, student-relatable themes that spark meaningful conversations and resonate with both the actors and their peer spectators. The next step is to form a High School Drama Committee with students so they can pick the next high school show for the fall.
“This is about more than acting—it’s about building a community, strengthening confidence, and showing students that they are capable of more than they ever imagined,” she reflected.
As we look ahead to future productions, one thing is certain: the stage at NIS is not just a place for performance but for growth, connection, and unforgettable experiences. Stay tuned—the best is yet to come!