On March 26, Highland Hall became a stage for performances by 17 student impersonators of Tina Turner, Ozzy Osbourne, Michael Jackson, Marilyn Monroe, Bob Marley, Amy Winehouse, Miley Cyrus and more, in a rock concert that was the culmination of a theatre study unit on building a character.

The rock stars, taught by Nathan Wheeler, theater arts teacher, learned important lessons about researching and developing a character, and then applied what they had learned while practicing their performance skills in front of a full audience of their peers and the St. Margaret’s community. The student performer perspective below illuminates the importance and significance of performing arts events.

Student Perspective: What It’s Like to Be a Rockstar!
By Gabriela Leichnitz
Grade 9

When my theatre class heard we would be impersonating rock stars in front of an audience of over 100 people, every single one of us was a little reluctant. However, Mr. Wheeler stood his ground and promised that one day we would thank him for inviting the entire Upper School.

A few days later, we began our project and chose our rock stars (based primarily on similar looks or personalities). We researched everything from how they act on stage to their favorite breakfast foods. Next, we hosted dinner parties and socialized in character as our celebrities. These activities allowed us to easily settle into the flamboyant personalities of our celebrities.

Finally, after weeks of preparation, all 17 of us arrived at Highland Hall fully costumed and eager to perform. We assumed our positions backstage as every seat filled, with people still left standing. As my music began, I marched onstage, assuming my new alter ego: Miley Cyrus. No part of me was on that stage, but Miley Cyrus danced around Highland Hall for an exhilarating two minutes and 19 seconds before bowing and welcoming other celebrities, including Bob Marley, Tina Turner and Marilyn Monroe, to the stage.

By the end of the night, any hidden desires of becoming a rock star had been fulfilled. We all left ourselves behind as we stepped out from our cover backstage into the blinding lights, and we had no regrets. This experience trained me in an uncommon form of acting, and I had a blast throughout the entire process.

When I asked another student about his experience, Saba Saghafi, who played Freddie Mercury, replied, “My dear, I had the time of my life.”

Thank you, Mr. Wheeler, for guiding us through this process and pushing us to perform outside of our comfort zones. The Rockstar performance was an unforgettable night, and I will never forget the sense of support from my classmates and thrilling feeling of performing onstage.

Tags: Performing Arts, Upper School