School of the Arts Students Star in Original Feature Film at The Little Theatre

More than 50 students from School of the Arts recently starred in the premiere of an original feature-length film, The Dancing Plague, which screened at The Little Theatre. The satirical comedy, written by SOTA drama faculty member Michelle Accorso, follows a mysterious virus that sweeps across America, causing not illness, but uncontrollable dancing.

The project gave students in grades 7–12 the chance to gain experience with screen acting and film production, expanding their learning beyond traditional stage performance. Accorso said the goal was to expose students to the full scope of the industry, from auditioning through filming and final production.

“We wanted to allow the students to expand their knowledge and experience of acting beyond the stage,” Accorso said. “So many of our kids relate more to film, TV, and online video than they do to theatrical productions, and we’d be doing them a disservice not to prepare them for all areas of the art they are so passionate about.”

In addition to acting roles, students also took on behind-the-scenes responsibilities, including script continuity, boom mic operation, props, and costume assistance. Filming took place throughout School of the Arts in classrooms, hallways, the staff lounge, offices, and the cafeteria, as well as at the Memorial Art Gallery and Herrema’s grocery store.

Accorso wrote the script in approximately two weeks, filmed the project over 15 days, and edited the film herself, spending an estimated 75 to 100 hours in post-production. She hopes future projects will allow for even more student involvement behind the camera.

The Dancing Plague premiered on Tuesday, February 3, allowing students to see their work showcased on the big screen and celebrate the culmination of months of creativity and collaboration.