Rehearsals have started on the new play, which opens in March.
The third-graders at Chicago City Day School are excited to be part of something new.
"This play is fun!" one of them said.
Each spring, third-graders present a play to the City Day community. This year's play, titled City of Dreamers, is an original work that the community will see for the first time.
The play was written by playwright and educator Jason Lemire, with input from City Day teachers. And like the play that previous third-grade classes have performed, it focuses on Chicago history.
"I'm thrilled about the new play," City Day drama teacher Liza Batinich said. "Jason really made an effort to understand what we do at City Day. I think this play will become a new tradition here."
Students have just started the rehearsal process for City of Dreamers. In drama class, they are learning their lines and figuring out blocking and stage direction. Performances will take place on March 11 and 12.
City of Dreamers is set after the Great Chicago Fire, and it focuses on a group of children who investigate the commonly shared myth about Mrs. O'Leary, who, along with her cow, was originally blamed for starting the fire.
The play explores the factors that contributed to the fire, as well as the fire's impact on the city, in a way that is accessible, engaging, and completely age-appropriate, Mrs. Batinich said.
Rachel Lucas, the grade 3 homeroom teacher, said the play also aligns well with the larger third-grade curriculum, which revolves around a deep exploration of Chicago history and culture. In addition to performing this play, third-graders visit the Chicago History Museum, report on famous Chicagoans buried at Graceland Cemetery, and complete numerous in-class activities about specific Chicago events.
Mrs. Lucas said that each year, her students tend to be particularly interested in the Great Chicago Fire.
"It’s an event that is both fascinating and uniquely Chicago," Mrs. Lucas said. "Students always find this topic engaging and are really excited to be part of this production. I can't wait to debut this play."
Both teachers commended Mr. Lemire for taking the time to understand City Day's curriculum and drama program. Mr. Lemire runs TIFE Theatre, an organization that provides original plays and drama workshops to schools around the country.
"My favorite experience as a playwright is when writing a play teaches me something new about the world," Mr. Lemire said. "That was certainly my experience writing this piece. Thank you to the entire Chicago City Day School community for the opportunity!"
See more images below of third grade's early rehearsals.
- Interested in learning more about City Day's curriculum and approach? Attend an admissions event.
