At Murphysboro Middle and Senior High School, the theater program is built around a belief that guides everything Director Jessica White does: every student who wants to participate should have the opportunity to do so.

That philosophy shapes the way productions are organized, the way rehearsals are scheduled, and the way students are invited into the program. White works hard to make sure theater is not limited to one type of student. Athletes, musicians, students involved in other clubs, and students trying theater for the very first time all find a place in the program. One of the keys to making that possible is flexibility.

White understands that many students want to participate in multiple activities, especially sports. Instead of asking them to choose between theater and athletics, she builds rehearsal schedules that allow students to balance those commitments. Sunday rehearsals are an important part of that plan, providing additional time for students who may have games, practices, or other conflicts during the week. The approach allows students who might otherwise think theater is impossible for them to take part.

Productions rehearse for nine weeks leading up to their performances, which means the rehearsal period is focused and carefully organized. Students work together intensively during that time, learning lines, practicing songs and choreography, and building the many elements that come together when the curtain rises.

The program also follows a structured production schedule that rotates from year to year. In one year, the school presents a Madrigal production along with a joint middle school and high school musical. The following year, the program shifts to a different format, producing a middle school play and a high school musical. By alternating between these two schedules, students have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of theatrical experiences during their time in the program.

Middle school students gain experience performing on stage, while high school students take on larger roles and increased responsibility. When the joint musical takes place, students from both levels work side by side, creating a production that brings the entire program together. White believes that those shared experiences are one of the most valuable parts of theater.

Students who may never have met in their regular classes quickly become teammates during rehearsals. They support one another, solve problems together, and work toward a common goal. Some students discover a love of performing, while others realize their strengths are behind the scenes with music, choreography, costumes, lighting, or stage construction. Every role matters, and every student’s contribution helps the production succeed.

White also emphasizes that theater provides an important opportunity for students who may not always feel drawn to more traditional extracurricular activities. “Theater gives students another way to belong,” she explained. “It gives them a chance to be part of something creative and collaborative.”

Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of adults helps guide the productions and support the students involved. The program’s production team includes Jessica White, director; Tara Brunaugh and Allison Brown, assistant directors; Lori Elwell, wardrobe assistant; Lilly Rudolph, choreographer; Jessica Murphy, musical assistant; Lloyd Roberts, Tim Berger, Jared White, and Robbie Kupferer, set design and construction; DJ Brunaugh, lighting design; Lara Ashby, soundboard engineer; and Troy Brown, technical assistant.

While that team plays an essential role, the heart of the Murphysboro theater program is always the students. Every rehearsal, every set change, and every performance represents students stepping outside their comfort zones, trying new things, and discovering abilities they may not have known they possessed. For White, that growth is the true success of the program.

When students are given the opportunity to participate—no matter how busy their schedules or how uncertain they feel at the beginning—they often surprise themselves.

And at Murphysboro Middle and Senior High School, the stage remains open for any student ready to take that step forward.