In the Herrin Elementary School gym this April, magic will happen as glass slippers are fitted, pumpkins transform into carriages, and fifth-grader Evie Burd becomes Cinderella.

For 23 years, Christy Josten has directed the elementary school's drama club, creating theatrical experiences for fourth and fifth graders that rival those of much older students. This year, 66 young performers are preparing to present "Cinderella" on April 28-29.

"My favorite part about drama club is that we can make kids smile with our performances," says Burd, who plays the title role. Her fellow cast members—including Chloe Gottschalk (Fairy Godmother), Hunter Coffey (King), and Kameron Strong (Prince Charming)—share similar sentiments about performing.

"I like that I get to put smiles on other people's faces," Strong explains.

The journey to opening night is a year-long process that begins with auditions in September. Students prepare monologues to earn a spot in the club, then undergo theater education throughout the fall.

"You just can't expect to throw kids on stage and them know and understand what to do," Josten says. She runs two separate eight-week courses—one for newcomers focusing on theater fundamentals, and an advanced program for returning students that emphasizes character development and improvisation.

In January, students audition for specific roles by singing selected songs. The girls performed "These Are a Few of My Favorite Things" from "The Sound of Music," while boys sang "You've Got a Friend in Me" from "Toy Story." With the large number of students involved, most roles are double-cast, creating two separate performances.

"I don't want to see Chloe up there talking," Josten tells her Fairy Godmother. "I want to see Fairy Godmother."

Rehearsals run twice weekly from January through April, with students attending based on their scenes. The production also receives vocal support from the fifth-grade chorus, who learns the music during class and performs on risers beside the stage during performances.

"It takes about everything these little ones have to remember the lines, remember the dancing, remember their cues," Josten explains about the chorus collaboration. "It gets more students involved."

The production values are impressive for an elementary program. Josten brings in professional lighting and sound equipment, including individual microphones for performers. While most elementary productions might use recorded music and minimal staging, Herrin Elementary transforms its gymnasium into a theatrical venue.

"I want them to have as close of a theater experience as I can do in a gym," Josten says. The district helps by constructing a stage in the gym, while Josten's boyfriend operates the spotlight and volunteers assist backstage.

To fund the approximately $1,700 cost of technical equipment, the drama club hosts an annual fundraiser called "Cookies with Claus." Second-year drama students dress as elves and help run carnival games, a snowball fight area, and an inflatable slide while younger students enjoy cookies, milk, and photos with Santa.

The production schedule is ambitious: after months of preparation and a single all-day tech rehearsal, each cast performs three shows in a single day—two matinees for fellow students and one evening performance for families. Evening shows typically draw around 300 spectators.

For these young performers, drama club builds confidence, teaches teamwork, and provides creative expression. It also creates a theatrical pipeline, preparing students for opportunities at Herrin's junior high and high school, both of which offer more advanced drama programs at the Civic Center.

The public performances of "Cinderella" will take place April 28-29 at 7:00 p.m. in the Herrin Elementary School gymnasium. Tickets are $5, and all community members are welcome.