Southridge High Students Stage Little Women, Spotlight Local Theatre

Southridge High School presented Little Women at the school auditorium on November 14 and November 15, with evening performances starting at 7:00 p.m. The production was directed by Shane Denu and was primarily produced and managed by theatre students, giving young participants leading roles both on stage and behind the scenes. Rehearsal photos accompany this report.

The principal cast included Katelyn Wright as Jo, Natalia Garcia as Meg, Raegan Langton as Amy, and Marisa Thacker as Beth. Theodore Laurie Laurence was portrayed by Carson Blair, supported by a broader ensemble in secondary roles. The production emphasized ensemble work and a student run approach to technical and managerial tasks, from costume and set coordination to stage management and promotion.

For local residents the show served as both entertainment and a demonstration of student initiative. By shouldering production responsibilities, students gained practical experience in arts administration, collaboration, and public presentation. Those skills translate beyond the stage, strengthening the school community and offering visible pathways for youth leadership within Dubois County.

School theatre programs often operate at the intersection of education and civic life, and this run of Little Women reinforced that dynamic. The performances provided a public space for families, classmates, and residents to gather for shared cultural engagement. For a rural county where local institutions play a critical role in community cohesion, school productions act as accessible cultural offerings that support volunteerism and local patronage of the arts.

The student run nature of the production also reflects broader trends in secondary education toward experiential learning. Students involved in production roles gained hands on experience that complements classroom instruction, and the visibility of their work helps justify continued investment in arts programming by school administrators and community stakeholders. Local arts supporters and school officials often point to such productions when discussing curricular priorities and budget allocations.

While this report does not include audience counts, the two night schedule and the inclusion of rehearsal images signal a program intended to engage a broad cross section of the community. For residents who missed the performances, the school theatre program typically announces future seasons and volunteer opportunities through school channels. Continued community attendance and support will be essential if Southridge High aims to sustain student led productions and expand learning opportunities for future cohorts.