Opening the world of theater: How Dyer-Kelly supports multicultural students through the arts

Following the modernization of Dyer-Kelly Elementary School’s campus in 2019, staff have maximized the multi-purpose room’s full potential through the launch of a full-time theater specialty. 

For four years, Dyer-Kelly has delivered large-scale musical performances, including Once In This Island, Annie, Frozen, The Lion King and Descendants-The Musical, which is currently in production.

The casts of the productions reflect the diverse student population, including students from different cultural backgrounds and with varied English Learner (EL) status.

Dyer-Kelly’s elementary theater specialist, Yesmine Thompson, shared the importance of inclusion, saying that “it’s giving them a place that they can shine.”

Through the theater program, students are given more opportunities to practice their English language skills and learn how to read through rehearsals where they review a script and memorize their lines.

“[The teachers] help me read better, sound out words and unlock new words,” said fourth-grade student Ali.

Ali has been able to gain confidence not only on stage but also in his reading.

“There’s vocabulary that comes up that they don’t understand,” said Thompson. “We explain and take the time to illustrate what it means, giving examples to things that they know.” 

Meanwhile, memorizing a script and dance moves is a challenge that the students and staff overcome together. Staff members explore their creativity when modifying productions to respect the students’ cultures.

“With different cultures, we make modifications. Some students can’t touch, so we add a gap during the dances,” shared instructional assistant Mariana Thompson.

Students from Dyer-Kelly’s theater program are looking forward to showcasing how they are “better together” in their upcoming spring production, Descendants - The Musical.