A ‘Laffin’ good time

Maurice Bowling Middle School students entertained a delighted audience Jan. 26 and 27 with their performance of Keith Jackson’s “Laffin’ School.”

Kelly Heichelbech and Sondra Logan, teachers at MBMS, chose the play based on the simplicity of the set and cast of characters.

“Since we were first-time directors working with students who were first-time actors, we wanted a play with a more simple set and that wasn’t too long. This play fit the bill, based in a classroom with only one act and no set changes,” said Heichelbech.

Funding was awarded to MBMS through the Northern Kentucky Institute for Arts Education and Northern Kentucky Cooperative for Education Services in the way of the “Art in Mind” grant.

Grant funds were used toward the purchase of scripts, licenses and other materials needed for the production. The money raised from ticket sales will go to buy scripts, props and set materials for future productions.

Auditions held after school in September were open to all middle school students and the cast of nine characters was chosen.

Director Sondra Logan said, “This was an amazing experience getting to see these kids come out of their shell, step out of their comfort zone and perform in front of a live audience. I am so proud of the work and dedication they put into this production.”

“Watching the growth of the students from the beginning of the process to the end was so fulfilling. They were sad to see it end and excited for our next production so I consider the entire experience a success,” Kelly Heichelbech said when asked about the overall experience of directing Laffin’ School.

Parent-teacher Stacy Lilly had nothing but positive remarks after watching the play. “You see a different side of students than you do in a classroom.” She went on to talk about the work her son, Clay, put into learning his lines and getting comfortable performing in front of an audience. Lilly expressed her excitement about future drama opportunities in middle school.