The success of “Charlie and The Chocolate Factory” which debuted on the Bedford stage on April 1, is due to many factors: great costumes, captivating music and dance, and creative sets and lighting. But the hallmark of any play is usually the great acting on stage, and the directors who help put it altogether behind the scenes.

Mrs. Karen McCormick, the drama teacher, is also the director of the play. She plays an important role, as does everyone in the play. However, helping Mrs. McCormick is a group of eighth grade student directors who go out and help the actors and do the odd jobs behind the scenes.

There are not many schools that have student directors playing such an important role in the production.

However, Bedford is one of the few schools that has the luxury of having a group of students willing to pitch in and work to help those on stage.

According to Mrs. McCormick, student directors are extremely helpful to the play. “We need them because we have a big cast,” said Mrs. McCormick.

Also, student directors don’t just help until the play then leave. They still play a big part in the performance of the play. Mrs. Mccormick said that, “They do anything backstage, makeup, lighting, etc.” So they are always busy while the actors are performing and while the actors are getting ready.

Student directors generally enjoy their jobs; however, the tasks can be difficult. For example, Mrs.Mccormick said that a student director once had to make 1,000 Wonka Bars. Imagine that, sitting there making the same thing over and over again. Boring, yet important. Also, Mrs.Mccormick said that, the student directors help the students become better actors.

The actors agree. “They’re original and fun,” said Sydney Gusick. “They provide a nice blend of working hard and having fun.”
Also, student directors really enjoy their jobs, Annabelle Wyman, a student director, said that she enjoys being a student director because, “As a student director, you feel like a real director which can feel empowering and cool.”

Also, student directors have an influence on what actors will want to do in the future involving the play. Alex Waterworth, an actor, said that he wanted to be a student director in eighth grade because of how the student directors have acted and helped him. Student directors are well liked by everyone in the play due to their big contribution.

When asked what the joy of working with students in the play was, Annabelle said, “The joy is being able to teach kids about an interesting art form that they can use for the rest of their lives.”