LA PLATA, MD—Last week, the gymnasium at William A. Diggs Elementary School became the Pride Lands as third- through fifth-grade students performed Disney’s “The Lion King Jr.” in collaboration with Calvert Theatrics. The production, which ran four shows—two evening performances for the community and two matinees for students—brought professional-grade theater to the school, fostering teamwork, creativity, and confidence among young performers and crew.
Calvert Theatrics, a group dedicated to promoting arts through school and children’s theater programs, provided professional lighting, sound, sets, and costumes, elevating the production to a Broadway-like experience. Auditions, open to students in grades three through five, drew a diverse group, including athletes, introverts, and first-time performers. Students handled acting, singing, choreography, and technical roles like sound and lighting, learning responsibility and professionalism over five months of rehearsals.
“This was one of the most beautiful surprises of the entire process,” said Brittnee Hajallie, a music teacher at Diggs, J.C. Parks, and Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer elementary schools, who co-directed the show with Sandee Bowles, an instructional resource teacher. “Our cast wasn’t made up solely of the ‘usual’ drama club students. We had athletes, introverts, students who had never sung a note or stepped on stage before. This project opened the door wide, and they walked through with courage and curiosity.”
Rehearsals began with weekly Tuesday morning sessions, expanding to four Saturday practices as the June performances approached. Students embraced the rigor, with fifth-grader AJ Arthur Reed, who played Timon, comparing it to a job. “Always keep true to your word that you’re always going to come to rehearsals,” Reed said. “It’s like getting a job. You have to make sure you come every day you can and learn everything you can.”
A turning point came in April after a field trip to see St. Charles High School’s “Shrek: The Musical.” “We saw an instant shift in motivation,” said Gabriel Gray, Diggs music teacher and the show’s music director. “For many of the students, that was their first time seeing a musical. With a new understanding of their responsibilities as cast and crew, every role on stage and backstage was handled with focus, care, and pride.”
Bowles, with over 30 years in musical theater, partnered with Dave Walton, founder of Calvert Theatrics, to bring the production to Diggs. “I witnessed firsthand how transformative it can be for individuals and communities,” Bowles said. “I wanted to bring that same magic to Diggs — to enrich our community through the power of theater.” Walton’s group, active in Calvert County schools, focuses on enhancing student performances. “Everything we do is about making kids look good on stage,” Walton said. “And when that’s your goal, you keep trying to make it better.”
The production demanded significant responsibility from students aged 8 to 11, who managed complex tasks like running lights, testing microphones, and memorizing lines alongside schoolwork and extracurriculars. “The transformation in my students has been astounding,” Hajallie said. “Watching my students step into their characters and roles [behind the scenes] was like watching them step into a fuller version of themselves.”
Bowles aims to continue theater opportunities at Diggs, emphasizing creativity and connection. “I find great joy in nurturing young minds and participating in musical theater,” she said. “It’s a perfect blend of creativity and connection.” The experience left a lasting impact, with staff noting increased confidence and collaboration among students, many of whom discovered new talents.
The performances drew community support, showcasing the potential of young students when given professional resources and guidance. The partnership with Calvert Theatrics not only delivered a memorable show but also highlighted the value of arts education in building life skills and community bonds at Diggs Elementary.
