Foxboro Elementary School is taking center stage with its growing drama program, now in its second year as part of the Beverley Taylor Sorenson (BTS) Arts Program. Pieter Lingen, the full-time drama teacher at Foxboro, has been instrumental in integrating drama into the school’s curriculum, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to explore the arts.
“This program was new to our school last year,” said Lingen. “I was hired as a full-time drama teacher, and I see each of our classes once a week to teach integrated arts lessons, connected with at least one other core subject. This year, we are focusing on the new Core Knowledge Language Arts program and making connections with the knowledge units and stories.”
The school’s drama offerings are extensive and ambitious. This year, Foxboro will stage a school play called BOTS! involving fourth, fifth and sixth graders. Rehearsals will take place in September, with performances scheduled for the week before Thanksgiving.
Additionally, third grade students will have the unique opportunity to write and perform an opera, with support from the Utah Opera company.
“We will start writing the libretto in late October and performing the final show in late January,” said Lingen.
Foxboro’s drama program is not just about putting on a show; it’s about fostering growth and confidence in students. Last year, the school’s collaboration with Spotlight Theatre on Matilda Jr. saw over 60 students participate in a 12-week process of rehearsals and performances, and the entire 3rd grade, approximately 80 students, wrote and performed an opera about King Midas.
Lingen described these experiences as transformative, “Some of the growth we have seen is in student confidence, working well with a group, and contributing to a larger purpose,” he said. “Finally, when learning through music, dance, and drama, they never forget what they learned.”
The drama program at Foxboro is supported by the broader school community, including the PTA, teachers, office staff and parents.
“Chris Whitaker’s and Shelly Truelson’s vision and efforts to bring the BTS arts program to Foxboro have really paid off,” said Lingen. “It has been exciting to see our community come together and really support each other.”
With the continued enthusiasm and support from the community, Foxboro Elementary’s drama program is set to thrive in the years to come, providing students with invaluable experiences that foster creativity, collaboration and confidence.
“The synergy has been amazing, especially when we finally get to put all the pieces together,” said Lingen. “Doing drama work during school has given some students the experience that never would otherwise have that opportunity. I love to see the student ownership when they are finished. I love the question, ‘What are we going to do next year?’”