RMS Dinner Theatre
(See pics here)

  The eighth-grade students from Rochambeau Middle School’s fall drama classes produced and acted in two plays for the Southbury school’s annual dinner theatre. Under the guidance of English and drama teacher Mrs. Hilary Sterling, the theatre productions started in earnest in 2002. Originally started as a murder mystery, the PTO became involved and helped transform it into a dinner theatre.

 “The students learn so much more than simply acting,” said Mrs. Sterling. “The kids learn what it’s like to be someone else and to understand another’s feelings. The production also teaches them to be confident and comfortable in their own skin.”

 This year’s plays were entitled, “Spy TV” (directed by RMS teacher Deborah Frost) and a spoof called “Lord of the Ringlets: Kicking the Hahbit.”

 “In class we did improvisation, then we worked on the plays almost every day,” said Megan P., who played the role of Julie in “Spy TV.”

 While a local restaurant catered dinner, fifteen students enrolled in Family and Consumer Sciences classes, under the guidance of Ms. Maggie Szadeczky, prepared and served the appetizers and dessert. Art Enrichment and regular Art students helped with props and scenery, and Jesse Zaleta, an RMS art student produced the playbills. Ten of Mr. Greg Kuntz’s students videotaped the plays for the local cable channel.

  “The PTO, other teachers and staff, as well as the actors’ parents helped make the show successful,” said Mrs. Sterling. “Parents drove their children to our seven a.m. practices and the PTO was so generous in upgrading the lighting and sound equipment. We had an assembly for the entire school and, in the future, we’d like to invite residents from Heritage Village for a daytime performance,” said Mrs. Sterling. “It’s a fun way to get the whole community involved.”