When the final curtain closed on our completely sold-out run of The Little Mermaid, the numbers spoke for themselves: over 3,200 people in attendance, 10 spectacular mainstage performances, and 2 special school shows over a 2 week period. But while those statistics are incredibly worth celebrating, they only tell a fraction of the story.
What the audience saw under the stage lights was the beautiful result of countless hours of rehearsals, set building, line memorization, and vocal warm-ups. What happened behind the curtain, however, was something even more profound. The true magic of this production wasn’t just in the vibrant costumes, music, or choreography—it was in the transformative power of the arts, the resilience built through creative risks, and the deep, unified Christian community that formed along the way.
The Power of the Arts: Finding Your Voice
Theatre is far more than entertainment; it is a catalyst for self-discovery. The arts provide students with a unique canvas to step outside of their comfort zones and realize their God-given potential. It requires vulnerability, but in return, it builds immense confidence.
I went from this being ‘just another class’ to it being a safe space for me to dive into and discover hidden talents I was unaware of… I have learned that I am more capable, creative, and resilient than I once believed.
Sam Anderson (Stage Manager)
“I see so much more than long rehearsals; I see a version of myself who chose courage over fear and growth over comfort. Musical theatre became a place where I learned to trust myself, lean on others, and find my voice.”
Jena French (Maid, Ensemble)
Failing Boldly: A Safe Space to Grow
In a culture that often demands perfection, the stage offers a radically different lesson. There is a phrase that is said each day of rehearsal – Fail Boldly. Students are taught that mistakes are not the end of the world; they are stepping stones.
“The concept of ‘failing boldly’ has been instrumental… I have learned that we gain little from success and everything from failure. Every mistake—whether in rehearsal or on stage—is an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve. Rather than fear failure, I now see it as a necessary and valuable part of the journey.”
Judah Lindberg (Scuttle)
A Unique Community: Breaking Down High School Barriers
High school can often be divided by grades, cliques, and what activity you are involved in. Theatre shatters those walls. When you are tasked with pulling off a massive production, you learn to rely heavily on the people standing next to you. It cultivates an environment where passion is celebrated and everyone belongs.
“LCS is the first school I’ve attended where the ‘drama kids’ weren’t looked down upon; being part of a community where it is considered ‘cool’ to be talented is incredible. I truly hope the students coming up after us will fully embrace and take advantage of this unique environment.”
Reagan Pelletier (Aquata)
“It isn’t common for a high school class to include students from Grades 9 to 12, creating such a unique and beautiful community. It is a representation of what it looks like to live in unity, with individuals striving toward the same goal… It has never been about individual strengths, but about a collective effort to create something meaningful together.”
Hannah Vanderveen (Ariel)
The Christian Community: Anchored Beyond the Applause
Ultimately, the most defining characteristic of this incredible cast and crew was their shared faith. The standing ovations and the roar of 3,200 audience members are exhilarating, but applause is temporary. When the arts are pursued within a strong Christian community, students learn to root their identity in something everlasting. They learn that their talents are not for their own glory, but for the Creator who gave them those gifts.
“This program taught me to anchor my security solely in God rather than the applause of the audience… I now understand that God has a specific plan for every individual. As a cast, we function as the Body of Christ.”
Julia Kuehl (Jetsam)
To the cast, the crew, the volunteers, and the thousands of you who filled the seats and cheered them on: Thank you. The Little Mermaid may have completed its run, but the courage, unity, and faith forged during those countless hours of rehearsal will echo in these students’ lives for years to come.
