Roseburg High Theatre Students Bring Literacy Play to Douglas County Elementary Schools

ROSEBURG, Ore. — Roseburg High School Theatre students partnered with Altrusa to present the 26th annual Celebration of Literacy play for elementary students across Douglas County on Jan. 30, continuing a long-running program that connects reading and live performance for younger audiences.

Each year, Altrusa helps coordinate participating schools and sets a theme for the production. From there, Roseburg High’s advanced acting class develops the show from the ground up. Theatre Director Troy Pennington said students are responsible for building the entire performance once the theme is established.

“The advanced acting class then takes that theme and creates, from scratch, the entire show… Then the elementary school students throughout the district get to come and enjoy what we've created and take away a lesson about the magic and power of reading,” Pennington said.

Students involved in the production said the interactive nature of the show helps create memorable moments for younger audiences. Jayden Stewart said he enjoyed developing scenes that allowed elementary students to be part of the performance.

“I really enjoyed coming up with the interactive segments where we get to talk to the kids directly,” Stewart said. “It always made me happy hearing the children laugh at a joke or be involved when the characters would speak to the audience.”

He added that reactions from the audience often stayed with the cast after the curtain closed. “It was always nice to see one of the kids be super enthusiastic about a character (or a chicken).”

For some performers, the literacy play also carries personal meaning. Emma Markert said she attended the production as an elementary student and credits it with sparking her interest in reading and theatre.

“When I saw the literacy play, back in elementary school, I learned many important things… My love for live theater and performing arts, and how much I truly appreciate literature,” Markert said.

Now part of the cast, Markert portrayed Chief Willow Wordsmith in this year’s production. “There were some days when I would stand by the door in my goofy red costume and get hug-after-hug from kids,” she said. “Now, here I am on the other end playing ONE OF THE MAIN CHARACTERS. It's truly full-circle.”

Students also played a role in writing and shaping the show. Hannah Geier said creating humor for younger audiences was one of the most rewarding parts of the process.

“The most fun part of playwriting was getting to create jokes and the funny moments in the show we think the kids will love,” Geier said. “It is an extremely special thing to be the spark that hooks the students on what will hopefully be a lifelong passion for books and reading.”

The Celebration of Literacy play has been a yearly collaboration between Roseburg High School Theatre students and Altrusa, bringing performances focused on reading and storytelling to elementary students across Douglas County.