Middle School Acting Class Performs A Wrinkle in Time

Our Middle School students in the Form 2 acting class recently took audiences on an imaginative journey through time and space with their production of A Wrinkle in Time, adapted for the stage by Morgan Gould from the beloved novel by Madeleine L’Engle. The production was presented in three performances: two daytime shows for students and one evening performance for families, all in KO’s intimate Black Box Theater.

Co-directed by Matthew Wiggin and Rick Westerkamp, the production leaned into simplicity and atmosphere. The set was intentionally spare: a single wall with three windows looking out onto a forested landscape, allowing lighting, sound, and student performances to create the otherworldly mood of the story. Costuming was minimal as well. The most elaborate looks were reserved for the witches, and the mysterious “tree” figures holding umbrellas adorned with leaves appeared almost surreal under the stage lights.

Adding to the sense of suspense was an eerie offstage chant of “It, it, it,” representing the ominous force and evil brain that overtakes some of the characters and drives much of the story’s tension. The effect was haunting and remarkably effective in the close quarters of the Black Box.

The students delivered an admirable performance, balancing expressive acting with the challenge of live theater. While they held scripts for support, they consulted them only briefly, staying fully engaged with one another and the audience. For many, this was an important step in building confidence, stage presence, and public-speaking skills, core outcomes of KO’s middle school performing arts experience.

At the heart of the story is Meg Murry, a spunky, determined girl who refuses to give up on finding her missing father. Joined by her brilliant younger brother Charles Wallace, classmate Calvin O’Keefe, and the unforgettable Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Which, and Mrs. Who, Meg travels across dimensions to battle the forces of evil, rescue her father, and discover her own strength along the way. It’s a story about courage, loyalty, and believing in yourself even when the odds feel overwhelming.

The production was the culmination of a semester’s worth of preparation, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. The result was a thoughtful, engaging performance that highlighted not only the students’ acting abilities but also their commitment to teamwork and storytelling.

“The Middle School performance of A Wrinkle in Time was delightful, professional, and quite fun to watch,” Katherine Nicholson, Middle School arts chair, said. “I want to congratulate Rick Westerkamp, Paul Merchant, and the Form 2 performers on a surreal, magical, and wonderful experience with Madeleine L’Engle’s book!  From Ms. Whatsit’s foreboding and nonsensical advice to the enchanting trees, to Meg’s determination, the performers were expressive, knowledgeable, and totally in character!  Bravo!  Well done.”

Productions like A Wrinkle in Time reflect KO’s belief in experiential learning and the power of the arts to help students grow not just as performers, but as confident communicators and collaborators. Whether on stage, in the classroom, or beyond, these are skills that will serve them long after the final curtain call.