By Bethany Narvaez/ nw news editor
Photos by Peter Matthews/The Collegian
NW Campus’ theater program is bringing child-like energy and excitement to the stage with Miss Nelson is Missing! by Jeffery Hatcher, a play adapted from the children’s book by Harry Allard and James Marshall.
“The book is very well-known and is a childhood favorite, so we thought it would be a good choice,” said NW drama instructor Brent Alford, the play’s director.
The play takes place in Miss Nelson’s elementary school classroom filled with misbehaving students who take their sweet-natured teacher for granted.
“I think it’s wonderful to get back to that childhood sense,” NW student Tamiri Andrews said. “That’s my favorite part of rehearsals.”
The cast of 10 actors has enjoyed the challenge of channeling their inner-child for the stage.
“It’s been fun yet challenging to get into the mindset of a child,” NW student Carrie Chludzinski said. She plays the role of Phoebe, a disobedient child in Miss Nelson’s classroom who finds any excuse to leave the room during tests and quizzes.
“We are learning to act like children,” she said. “When you say your line, you have to think about how a 10-year-old would say it.”
Theatre Northwest will open its doors to children in the community for private performances.
“We do a children’s show every spring here and invite in elementary school students from our local area,” Alford said. “We will be performing for 600 to 800 elementary school kids.”
Andrews, who plays the role of Mouse, hopes children will learn the importance of respect in the classroom.
“Appreciate your teachers and the importance of learning and listening,” she said.
NW student Jordan Brooks, who plays the role of Kimberly, aims to instill an appreciation for theater in the children who come to the production.
“I hope the show encourages young students to be involved in theater as either patrons or actors,” Brooks said.
The production caters entertainment to TCC students as well.
“It’s entertaining, and adults will get a good laugh out of it,” Brooks said. “We still laugh at every rehearsal, and we’ve been doing this for months.”
The March 3-4 performances are free to all TCC students, faculty and staff. Tickets are $3 for non-TCC students and $6 for the general public. Public showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday in Theatre Northwest (WTLO 1108). Advanced reservations may be made by calling the Box Office at 817-515-7724, or tickets may be purchased on the day of the performance.
