Puffs;
or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a
Certain School of Magic and Magic
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Written by Matt Cox
Location: Bak Middle School of the Arts Welcome to Puffs, a play that offers a humorous and heartfelt journey through the magical world many of us have come to know and love—but through a very different lens. Puffs reminds us that not everyone gets to be the hero, but everyone’s story matters. When we first began working on this production, I knew that this talented cast of middle school students would bring something extraordinary to the show. They have thrown themselves into their characters, their comedic timing, and the energy that drives this delightful satire. What makes this story so special is that it allows us to celebrate the underdogs, those who may not have been destined for greatness but find strength and friendship in the bonds they build along the way. As we explored this world, we talked a lot about what it means to not be in the spotlight, to not be the hero, but still to have value. Our students connected with these themes in ways that reminded me why theatre is such a powerful tool for teaching empathy, perseverance, and self-discovery. It’s been an exciting process of seeing how each actor brings their unique voice and perspective to the stage, and it’s a joy to watch their growth as artists. Puffs is more than just a parody; it’s a story about belonging. Whether you’re brave, brainy, or loyal to a fault, there’s a place for everyone, and that’s something we all need to hear. I hope this production brings you laughter, joy, and maybe even a little nostalgia. Thank you for joining us on this whimsical journey—one where being a Puff is something to celebrate. |
Silent Sky
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Written by Lauren Gunderson
Location: Stage West Theatre - Lake Worth, FL. Directing Silent Sky has been an immensely rewarding experience—made all the more meaningful by the extraordinary group of young actors bringing this story to life. Many of these performers were once my students, and witnessing their evolution into thoughtful, dedicated artists has been nothing short of inspiring. This play asks profound questions about the universe, the nature of discovery, and the human desire to seek something greater than ourselves. Watching these actors embrace that material—pushing themselves to meet its emotional and intellectual depth—has been a joy. Throughout this process, they’ve not only honed their technical craft but also deepened their ability to connect with a story and an audience. Silent Sky is, at its core, a story of persistence and vision. The work these young people have poured into this production reflects that same spirit. It has been a privilege to witness their growth—not only as performers, but as curious, courageous storytellers. This production is a testament to their passion, their discipline, and their heart. Thank you for supporting this journey. I hope Silent Sky resonates with you as deeply as it has with all of us. |
Fiddler on the Roof
Music and Lyrics by Jerry Bock & Sheldon Harnick
Book by Joseph Stein
Location: Bak Middle School of the Arts
Director's Notes: Hello, and welcome to the theatre; Bak Middle School of the Art’s Production of Fiddler on the Roof Jr. Firstly, I want to extend an enormous thank you for joining us today, and supporting live theatre and these extremely gifted young artists. The young artists you are about to see are some of the most wonderful, talented, passionate, and incredibly kind people I have ever had the pleasure of working with.
“A Fiddler on the Roof. Sounds crazy, no?" So begins one of the best conceptualized, written, and composed musicals in theater history. Fiddler on the Roof has been entertaining and moving audiences since its first production in 1964. It has been translated into multiple languages and has had productions all throughout the world. What is it about this story of Tevye the milkman and his five daughters living in Czarist Russia in 1905 that can cross so many boundaries in the world and touch so many different cultures?
Based on the short story by Sholem Aleichem, “Tevye and his Seven Daughters”, Fiddler on the Roof examines all of life, including persecution, poverty, and the struggle to maintain one's beliefs in the midst of a hostile and chaotic environment. Fiddler on the Roof takes place in 1905 in Anatevka, a small, fictitious village in Ukraine where war and chaos lead to uprisings against the Russian Tsar, resulting in the deaths of over 100,000 people. At the same time, Sigmund Freud, Albert Einstein and Karl Marx present new ideas and new world views. The Old World is changing, and Tevye, the milkman, who is the main character in this story, is caught between two changing and opposing forces.
The name of the musical was inspired by a painting by Mark Chagall, an artist who derived most of his inspiration from his orthodox, Jewish background as a child in Russia. Chagall’s cultural and religious upbringing is illuminated in his painting, “The Fiddler”, by the figure of a violinist dancing in a rustic village, symbolizing that it is possible to have communion with God through music and dance. In the Jewish culture of that time the fiddler was also a vital presence in the ceremonies commemorating birth, marriage, and death. It is the juxtaposition of humor and misfortune that we find so appealing in Fiddler on the Roof. The intimacy that surrounds this story touches all of us, no matter our walk of life.
It is particularly exciting to teach and educate students about the play’s themes, the historical context, the traditions and customs of Judaism, and bring it to the Bak Middle School of the Arts Community. It is also a show that I have dreamed of directing for some time since I performed in it as a young man. It taught me as a young man that theatre can bring about change, conversation, and go beyond entertainment. Hopefully, this production will bring some fresh light while remaining true to this classic. I am so beyond grateful to have been at the helm in the presentation of this important and gripping story.
Book by Joseph Stein
Location: Bak Middle School of the Arts
Director's Notes: Hello, and welcome to the theatre; Bak Middle School of the Art’s Production of Fiddler on the Roof Jr. Firstly, I want to extend an enormous thank you for joining us today, and supporting live theatre and these extremely gifted young artists. The young artists you are about to see are some of the most wonderful, talented, passionate, and incredibly kind people I have ever had the pleasure of working with.
“A Fiddler on the Roof. Sounds crazy, no?" So begins one of the best conceptualized, written, and composed musicals in theater history. Fiddler on the Roof has been entertaining and moving audiences since its first production in 1964. It has been translated into multiple languages and has had productions all throughout the world. What is it about this story of Tevye the milkman and his five daughters living in Czarist Russia in 1905 that can cross so many boundaries in the world and touch so many different cultures?
Based on the short story by Sholem Aleichem, “Tevye and his Seven Daughters”, Fiddler on the Roof examines all of life, including persecution, poverty, and the struggle to maintain one's beliefs in the midst of a hostile and chaotic environment. Fiddler on the Roof takes place in 1905 in Anatevka, a small, fictitious village in Ukraine where war and chaos lead to uprisings against the Russian Tsar, resulting in the deaths of over 100,000 people. At the same time, Sigmund Freud, Albert Einstein and Karl Marx present new ideas and new world views. The Old World is changing, and Tevye, the milkman, who is the main character in this story, is caught between two changing and opposing forces.
The name of the musical was inspired by a painting by Mark Chagall, an artist who derived most of his inspiration from his orthodox, Jewish background as a child in Russia. Chagall’s cultural and religious upbringing is illuminated in his painting, “The Fiddler”, by the figure of a violinist dancing in a rustic village, symbolizing that it is possible to have communion with God through music and dance. In the Jewish culture of that time the fiddler was also a vital presence in the ceremonies commemorating birth, marriage, and death. It is the juxtaposition of humor and misfortune that we find so appealing in Fiddler on the Roof. The intimacy that surrounds this story touches all of us, no matter our walk of life.
It is particularly exciting to teach and educate students about the play’s themes, the historical context, the traditions and customs of Judaism, and bring it to the Bak Middle School of the Arts Community. It is also a show that I have dreamed of directing for some time since I performed in it as a young man. It taught me as a young man that theatre can bring about change, conversation, and go beyond entertainment. Hopefully, this production will bring some fresh light while remaining true to this classic. I am so beyond grateful to have been at the helm in the presentation of this important and gripping story.
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Almost, Maine
Written by John Carani
Location: Bak Middle School of the Arts
Director's Notes:
Hello, and welcome to the theatre; Bak Middle School of the Art’s Production of Almost, Maine by John Carani. Firstly, I want to extend an enormous thank you for joining us today, and supporting live theatre and these extremely gifted young artists. The young artists you are about to see are some of the most wonderful, talented, passionate, and incredibly kind people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Thank you for inspiring me. Give them a huge show of appreciation when you see them! This play is no easy feat.
Almost, Maine is, at its heart, a play about connection. From the good, the difficult, the awkward, and the magical. These past few years have proven to me that despite everything that may happen in the world, humans will find ways to connect. It is through our relationships with each other that we find meaning in this challenging, unpredictable world. Almost, Maine shows us that our relationships with others is where we can find ‘magic’ in our mundane worlds. I have been given the incredible privilege of seeing these artists develop connections with each other, both on and off the stage, and have seen the kindness, dedication, and commitment that they are all capable of.
Over the past year, I lost someone very close to my heart. He was a friend, a teacher, and a mentor. He taught me many things about my craft, he quite literally saved me, and was one of the most supportive and loving people in my life. He used to tell us ‘Good theatre at its best is an act of love.’ With this in mind, I’d like to dedicate this production to his memory.
Almost, Maine is bursting at the seams with heart, humor, vulnerability, and honesty. I hope you enjoy your time with us in Almost. We are so overjoyed to welcome you in!
Location: Bak Middle School of the Arts
Director's Notes:
Hello, and welcome to the theatre; Bak Middle School of the Art’s Production of Almost, Maine by John Carani. Firstly, I want to extend an enormous thank you for joining us today, and supporting live theatre and these extremely gifted young artists. The young artists you are about to see are some of the most wonderful, talented, passionate, and incredibly kind people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Thank you for inspiring me. Give them a huge show of appreciation when you see them! This play is no easy feat.
Almost, Maine is, at its heart, a play about connection. From the good, the difficult, the awkward, and the magical. These past few years have proven to me that despite everything that may happen in the world, humans will find ways to connect. It is through our relationships with each other that we find meaning in this challenging, unpredictable world. Almost, Maine shows us that our relationships with others is where we can find ‘magic’ in our mundane worlds. I have been given the incredible privilege of seeing these artists develop connections with each other, both on and off the stage, and have seen the kindness, dedication, and commitment that they are all capable of.
Over the past year, I lost someone very close to my heart. He was a friend, a teacher, and a mentor. He taught me many things about my craft, he quite literally saved me, and was one of the most supportive and loving people in my life. He used to tell us ‘Good theatre at its best is an act of love.’ With this in mind, I’d like to dedicate this production to his memory.
Almost, Maine is bursting at the seams with heart, humor, vulnerability, and honesty. I hope you enjoy your time with us in Almost. We are so overjoyed to welcome you in!
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Romeo & Juliet
Written by William Shakespeare
Location: Bak Middle School of the Arts - Spring 23'
Romeo & Juliet was first performed in London in 1595. The play has been performed throughout the world continuously since then. It is the most well-known of all Shakespeare tales, taught in almost every 9th grade curriculum in the country. Our production is faithful to the way that Shakespeare intended his plays to be staged.
We are producing a one-act version of Romeo & Juliet. It will move quickly with characters often surrounding the audience and performing in the aisles. The story, in brief, is a tale of a feud between two families, The Montagues (Romeo’s Family) and the Capulet’s (Juliet’s Family). Romeo and Juliet see each other at a masked ball and fall in love. The need to hide this from their feuding families brings about the tragedy and the well known ending of the play.
The language, themes and actions found in Romeo & Juliet have not changed since that first production in the late 16th century, but the world has. These shifts in attitudes are reflected in the conversations had in the presentation of this production.
Location: Bak Middle School of the Arts - Spring 23'
Romeo & Juliet was first performed in London in 1595. The play has been performed throughout the world continuously since then. It is the most well-known of all Shakespeare tales, taught in almost every 9th grade curriculum in the country. Our production is faithful to the way that Shakespeare intended his plays to be staged.
We are producing a one-act version of Romeo & Juliet. It will move quickly with characters often surrounding the audience and performing in the aisles. The story, in brief, is a tale of a feud between two families, The Montagues (Romeo’s Family) and the Capulet’s (Juliet’s Family). Romeo and Juliet see each other at a masked ball and fall in love. The need to hide this from their feuding families brings about the tragedy and the well known ending of the play.
The language, themes and actions found in Romeo & Juliet have not changed since that first production in the late 16th century, but the world has. These shifts in attitudes are reflected in the conversations had in the presentation of this production.