Students 'go wild' for Northview's new Drama Club

By Jamie Vinson

Advocate Managing Editor

The No. 1 goal behind the implementing of the Drama Club at Northview Elementary is to help build students’ confidence both on stage and off.

Jessica Begley Hall, Northview’s library media specialist and the Drama Club production teacher/director, said educators know that having a creative outlet is essential for children’s emotional health and well being.

In addition, providing opportunities to participate in the performing arts, she says, helps students develop important life skills.

“I want to create a space where they (students) feel safe to try new things, feel seen and feel like they belong. We often refer to our drama club as a ‘family,’ and it truly feels that way. It has been incredibly rewarding to see the encouragement and support students show one another. They’ve learned that hard work, self-discipline and perseverance are key to success, while also building friendships and celebrating each other along the way,” Hall said.

Hall discussed the idea with Beth Mullins, Northview principal, and the vision for the Drama Club was developed from there. Hall said Mullins’ support was instrumental in making the vision a reality.

Hall, in her 23rd year in education, has spent the last three in Montgomery County. Prior to Northview she was the library media specialist at Stanton Elementary where she also provided drama instruction and directed two musicals during her final two years there.

As far as what students learn by participating, Hall said that during regular school-day meetings, the focus is on building foundational theater skills.

“This includes technical skills such as using your voice effectively, body positioning and understanding stage directions. We also emphasize collaboration—helping students develop problem-solving skills, active listening and effective communication.

“As we get closer to the production, we begin applying these skills in rehearsals. If you visited during that time, you might see students practicing choreography, running lines, building set pieces or working on costume elements. It’s truly rewarding to watch students put into practice the skills they’ve developed throughout the year, both on stage and behind the scenes," Hall added.

Drama Club will continue next year.

“We are already exploring ideas for our spring 2027 production and identifying ways to make the program even stronger,” Hall told the Advocate. Every experience is a learning opportunity—not just for our students, but for the program as a whole. We are excited to see what the future holds for our students and the Drama Club at Northview Elementary.”