Fifth Graders Perform Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing”

Over the past few weeks, Crossroads fifth graders have been busy memorizing lines, blocking out scenes and getting fitted for costumes in preparation for the Elementary School’s biggest drama production of the year. The annual fifth grade Shakespeare performance is a tradition at Crossroads that dates back more than 40 years, when now-retired drama teacher Scott Weintraub first had students perform works by the Bard. Years later, it serves as a rite of passage for the division’s oldest students during their final year on Norton Campus. 

“I was so surprised at how invested and excited the kids were for Shakespeare,” said the show’s director,  long-term drama substitute teacher Cassie Ahiers. “They were so enthusiastic. Because it's been a tradition and they're coming to the end of their tenure here, it's an opportunity for them to put on this big show.”

The process began with fifth graders choosing between a Shakespearean drama or comedy. After much deliberation and a grade-level vote, students selected “Much Ado About Nothing” for its witty humor. 

Performing one of Shakespeare’s works is no easy feat, but fifth graders rose to the occasion. Their condensed version of the original text also included the addition of modern-day songs such as “Girl On Fire” by Alicia Keys. With the help of Cassie and their teachers, students dissected the language of each scene, breaking down the sentence structure to better understand their characters’ motivations.

Hudson Buchannan, who played the gullible Claudio, says that the greatest challenge wasn’t necessarily language itself, but trying to contain their excitement backstage during dress rehearsals!

“We practiced lines, we practiced walking backstage quietly so we wouldn’t make too much noise,” he explained. “Trying not to talk was a little bit of a struggle, but we got through it.”

For their final tech rehearsal, each fifth grade class performed for its kindergarten buddies and other Elementary School students and employees. On the evening of each class’ respective performance, fifth grade families filled the Joanie Martin Community Room. As the fifth graders took their final bow at the end of the show, their confidence and joy was evident.

“Even more than the ‘Shakespeare’ of it all, putting on the play is really what builds so many skills,” said Cassie. “It requires them to have creative expression and turn inward and figure out what makes them laugh and what they can bring to the table. It's a huge feat of teamwork. There's no way they could do it without each other and without the whole school as a support.”