MANISTIQUE, Mich. (WZMQ) – According to Middle and High School Principal John Shiner, Manistique Area Schools students are thriving in the arts.
“If you don’t play sports, if you need an outlet to do something after school that’s a little bit more on the creative side, this high school has a lot of options,” he said. “It’s just kind of the fabric of our culture here.”
The school offers everything from a glee club and band to physical art projects and a Drama Club, which is preparing for its production of Clue this weekend.
“During the entire show, you’re along with the cast,” said Lily Knaffla, who plays the Chief of Police. “You’re also trying to figure out ‘whodunnit’ and who’s the murderer, just like the game. It’s so fun to be part of the cast and to watch, in my opinion.”
Students say the talented cast and crew, along with their passion for what they do, make for an entertaining experience.
“Usually, people always go to the bigger shows, but we’re such a small community, so we have a small stage and a small cast,” said Donnis Seeley, who portrays Mrs. Peacock. “I think a lot of us have great potential. I think people like coming and seeing drama because we’re just as good as the sport people, and I think it’s kind of a great mixture.”
Many cast and crew members who plan to pursue a career in the arts say Manistique’s fine arts program is preparing them for life after high school.
“I’ve gotten to play in various honors bands because of our band program, I’ve gotten to sing in front of the school for the Veteran’s Day assembly, I’ve been in numerous shows,” said Professor Plum actor Kevin Baker. “I’ve really been able to work on just developing my skill through most of the opportunities that we’ve gotten here.”
Shiner says extracurricular activities like the Drama Club also help students succeed in the classroom.
“Hands down, a student that is involved with something positive with school is going to perform better academically,” he said. “Their experience with high school is going to be that much stronger because they’re doing something that they want to do while they’re here.”
The Drama Club will perform Clue at the Manistique Middle and High School Auditorium at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 15, and Saturday, December 16. There will be a matinee performance at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 17.
On Wednesday, December 13, the Manistique All-Band Christmas Concert will take place at 7:00 p.m. The concert is free to attend.
Click here for more information on performing arts events coming up at Manistique Area Schools.
