Like many other rural middle schools, the Samuel L. Wagner Middle School students in Winterport have few extracurricular activities to choose from if they’re not into sports. But Sara Asay, a seventh grade reading and writing teacher, is changing that by getting tweens and teens into reading. Yes, reading, thanks to the power of acting.
“The seventh and eighth grade staff took our classes to see ‘Peter & the Starcatcher’ last winter at the Penobscot Theatre, and conversations began around the need for a drama club at our school,” Asay said. “We talked about how beneficial drama was for students who didn’t play sports, that it helped them develop self-esteem and confidence, along with opportunities for these students to shine.”
The idea of starting a drama club where kids could explore new skills — and hopefully develop a love of reading — built enough interest for Asay to seriously consider launching a program. After a couple of weeks of thinking it over, Asay decided to take on the role of Drama Club advisor to put on a spring production to test out the waters, despite feeling nervous about the new adventure.
“I had never directed or produced a play before, other than acting in some as a middle school student myself, but quickly found that there was a steep learning curve,” Asay said.
The fall show, called “The Quiz that Almost Killed Me” by M.G. Davidson, is a comedy that blends the tribulations of middle school life with some holiday spirit.
Studies have long shown how drama can positively impact a student’s growth and learning potential, even beyond the rich experiences of challenging their reading skills. Drama allows kids to explore emotions, develop quick thinking and problem-solving skills, master anxiety, and overcome low self-esteem issues.
“While I’d love for all my actors to walk away as avid readers — I know that’s not the reality,” Asay said. “However, I do think that many of my actors have a newfound interest in plays and respect for anyone who steps onto a stage and in front of an audience.”
Asay says she can see that drama helps kids open up to reading in general, especially when they make the connection between reading and learning a script to what they would see on a stage.
“The way I’ve seen some of my students blossom has been an incredible experience, and I can’t wait to see what they do from here,” she said. “I wasn’t expecting to love drama the way I do, but what the students do with a script is what makes it something I’m excited for every day.”
