At LCS, the Musical Theatre 10-12 course has been a place of transformation, designed to help students from fear through failure to deeper faith, connection, and courage. The course culminated with 12 packed performances of Tarzan the Musical running between April 2-12. This is a story of boldness, belonging, and becoming in our Musical Theatre 10-12 Course. Through every line learned, every note sung, and every risk taken on stage, our students were invited to discover something greater than performance: purpose, identity, and community.
Fear, Failure, and Freedom
At the heart of the Musical Theatre 10 course was the idea of “failing boldly,” a mindset encouraged by Mr. Cody Friesen, High School Theatre Director that transformed fear into faith. “
The fear of failure will get you nowhere, instead of avoiding failure, you have to embrace it. You are guaranteed to learn something from it.
Ashlyn Black
Students quickly learned that growth doesn’t happen without risk. “Shifting my perspective has helped me recognize that mistakes are crucial for growth,” shared Bria Pickering. Georgia Jones echoed this: “The fear of embarrassment quickly becomes the thief of opportunity when we let it take over our choices.”
This faith-filled perspective reshaped their approach to learning and life. “Failing boldly means stepping out of my comfort zone, embracing challenges, and not being afraid to make mistakes,” said Penny Werdal. For Finn Sawatzky, failure was essential: “True improvement can only be achieved through constant failure. It conditions you to thrive in the midst of failure.”
Thriving in Faith and Purpose
From warmups to final bows, students were reminded of who their performance was truly for.
These few minutes of 46 voices lifting their attention to God through harmonies allowed us to be reminded of the most important audience we were performing for
Georgia jones
Spiritual rhythms were woven into every rehearsal. “At the start of class, we always worshiped and prayed as a cast,” shared Sawyer Friesen. “It was the best way to begin; it helped us stay focused on giving glory to God.”
For many, this was a turning point in their faith. “Being part of this class, where God was such an integral part of the process, helped break down the boundary I had made in the past,” Bria reflected. “God pushed me to use the talents He gave me to glorify Him.”
This class shaped me to fix my eyes on Jesus, and to do everything as if I was doing it for the Lord.
Janne Viljoen
This mindset changed their motivations. “It was easy to become prideful and take my singing for granted,” admitted Kyla Gerber. “But I was reminded again and again that it’s not about me.”
Belonging and Community
Beyond the individual growth, what students treasured most was the community. Musical Theatre became a place of connection across grades, personalities, and experiences. “There is no other class where you get Grades 9–12 coming together to create something so amazing,” said Mackinley Westerop. “Through this, you start to become family.”
In my life, theatre has been the strongest example of a Christlike community, the friends I’ve made and the relationships I’ve established through this program are unequaled.
Finn Sawatzky
That community wasn’t accidental—it was intentionally built. “Mr. Friesen is very intentional about cast members lifting each other up,” said Sawyer Friesen. “The community is one where everyone feels valued, no matter their role,” added Bria.
For River Hoolsema, this support gave courage: “It’s easier to take risks when you know that the people around you want to see you succeed.” And for Ty Olson, it changed everything: “Walls started to come down. It became easier to be bold, knowing I’d be met with love instead of judgment.”
Becoming Who God Created Them to Be
This journey wasn’t just about acting skills; it was about identity and calling. “Typically, theatre focuses on pleasing the audience,” said Zoey Stimpson. “But at LCS, our focus was on pleasing God. Galatians 1:10 says, ‘Am I now trying to win the approval of man or of God?’ This verse reminded me that I’m performing for the Lord.”
Typically, theatre focuses on pleasing the audience but at LCS, our focus was on pleasing God. Galatians 1:10 says, ‘Am I now trying to win the approval of man or of God?’ This verse reminded me that I’m performing for the Lord.
Zoey Stimpson
For many students, this reorientation in faith and purpose was profound. “One of the biggest takeaways was the idea that I was using my talents for something bigger than myself,” said River Hoolsema. “I wasn’t doing anything for the satisfaction of man but for the glory of the Lord,” added Penny.
Even the phrase “being too much” was redeemed. “Mr. Friesen encouraged us to be big, bold, expressive- to be too much for the glory of God,” said Zoey. “It’s so rare to be in a space where failure is welcomed, and where your full self is encouraged.”
More Than a Show
Tarzan the Musical was a success in every visible way, but its lasting impact can’t be measured in applause. It lives on in the boldness, faith, and friendships formed through the journey. Students left the stage not just as better performers but as more grace-filled and courageous individuals.
This was a place where God moved, where we grew, and where we used our gifts to bring Him glory.
Bria pickering
At LCS, theatre isn’t just performance. It’s formation. And this year, our students stepped out in boldness, stood together in community, and sang their hearts out for the One who gave them their voice.
If you would like to hear more stories of impact from Tarzan, we invite you to listen to our LCS Talks Podcast episode where we chat further with Bria, River, Kyla, Sawyer, Ty, Mackinley, and Finn.
