St. Martin’s Unified Theatre gives everyone a chance at the spotlight

St. Martin High School’s unified theatre is back for a second year, and gearing up for the Mississippi Theatre Association’s Theatre for Youth competition.

“Theatre is for everyone” is the motto here at St. Martin High School – where they’re creating a diverse cast for the stage.

“Theatre kids are the most special kids you will ever meet in your entire life because that teaches them how to communicate with each other, how to be positive, how to persevere and push through challenges, and just being their best selves in knowing that confidence you get from theatre,” said theatre director, Sarah Bartos.

Bartos believes every student deserves the chance to be on stage, however, not all are given it.

So, she created Unified Theatre, a cast made up of life-skills and general education students. She watched as children with disabilities blossomed on stage.

“They’re learning to follow directions,” Bartos said. “They are learning that they are capable of doing things that no one else thought that they could do.”

It’s not only beneficial for life-skills students. These theatre kids love sharing their passion.

“I think it’s very important for these students to be able to do something different,” said student Kamryn Kyse. “You know, be on stage and be embraced by their audience, and just be able to perform for others. I just think it’s really important for them to have that experience, so I’m just proud to be a part of that and work with them every day.”

Last year, Unified Theatre brought home the Spirit of Theatre award. This year, Unified Theatre is challenging themselves with goals to win big.

“Miss Nelson is Missing is going to be the show that we’re doing, and we’re going to be doing some singing and dancing this year,” Kyse said. “So, it’s a little bit of a step up from last year, but I think they’ll do great.”

“I think we’ll be ready,” said student Alyssa Elleson. “I’m excited because it’s my senior year, and being a part of something so profound feels really, really good. I’m excited to do it. I look forward to coming in and working with them.”

The state competition is in January. Unified Theatre is fundraising for the trip. Donations can be cash-apped to $SMHSTBC with the note “Life-skills” or email sbj1073@jcsd.ms for more ways to donate.