by Eleanor Labatt and Sara Beth Toppin (posted on March 6, 2026 @ 10:47 a.m.)

At Alamo Heights Junior School, the theatre elective is a fun class where students get to be creative and try acting on stage. Instead of just sitting at a desk, students work together to practice scenes, play acting games, and learn how performances come together. The class helps students become more confident, express themselves, and have fun while telling stories with their classmates.

Most electives at the Alamo Heights Junior School consist of teachers teaching at the screen, but theatre is different. According to Ms. Bynum, the theatre teacher at the Alamo Heights Junior School, “Teaching theatre is very different from other classes because instead of standing in front of a screen, I’m physically on the set with students, backstage, or moving around with them.”

Wondering how Ms. Bynum chooses which plays to produce each year? Well, the students select them. “At the beginning of the year, they fill out student interest forms about the stories and genres they like. Then I present titles, we read them together, and students vote.” Teamwork plays a huge role in the theatre class at the Alamo Heights Junior School.

The audition process for our school’s theatre production involves several different pathways, depending on which area of theatre interests you most. Charlotte Meyer said, “So first we get a script for the character you want to be. It could be a monologue, a duet, a trio, or a quadruple. But basically you memorize that. And then you’re going to go and perform it in front of her. Or, if you’re doing tech, you’ll make a tech piece, a soundboard, or a lightboard and show it. And then if you’re going to do costumes, you will make a draft of a costume idea, and then for the director, you’re basically going to direct one of those scenes that are being performed, and then she’s going to see how well you did.” No matter which area you choose, the audition process is designed to showcase your unique talents and help you find the perfect role in the production.

It takes a whole team of people to make a theatre show happen, and most of them never step foot on stage. Charlotte said, “There’s a director, there’s tech for lights, there’s tech for sound, there’s tech for costumes, makeup, and there’s actors.” We asked Charlotte what was the most popular role in the team. She said, “Well, actors, because everyone wants to be on stage.” Sara agreed, saying, “Actors, because there are more people you can be.” Acting draws the most interest, but theatre success depends on every single team member.

So in conclusion, theatre can be for anyone. Unlike traditional classes where teachers stand at screens, Ms. Bynum’s hands-on approach puts her directly on set with students, creating a collaborative learning environment. It has roles from all over, on or off stage. Students even help choose the plays they perform by voting on options based on their interests and preferred genres. Also, a variety of audition options means students can explore different aspects of theatre and discover where their interests and skills shine brightest. Through this teamwork and student input, theatre production becomes a truly inclusive experience where everyone can find their place.