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Neff drama teacher Annais Alvarez and her team have been leading a remarkable initiative at Neff Elementary, where fifth graders are putting on a production of Aladdin Jr. involving 112 students. The show, which opens tonight for a limited two-night run, has been a collaborative effort involving not only acting but also set creation and technical aspects. According to Alvarez, the goal is to give every student a chance to shine and build confidence through teamwork.
One of the stars of the show, fifth grader Gulalai Jabar, shared her journey from being a hesitant ESL student to embracing acting and playing the role of Princess Jasmine. Jabar expressed how the experience has not only helped her improve her English but also make friends and connect with others. She said, “I was very scared to act this year. I really wanted to challenge myself, and [now] I love acting.”
Alvarez's approach to teaching theater involves making it accessible to all students, using puppetry and pantomime to create a safe and inclusive environment. Monica Diaz emphasized the importance of nonverbal communication in the theater, stating, “Everybody can just get what they’re saying like it’s a whole different language that we’re all speaking.”
The production of Aladdin Jr. is a testament to the power of the arts in fostering confidence and community among students. The students have dedicated significant time and effort to bring the show to life, both during school hours and after school practices with Alvarez. The first performance is scheduled for Thursday, February 29, at 5 p.m., with the second performance on Friday, March 1, at 6 p.m. The performances are free to attend, but seating is limited.
The Neff theater production stands as a shining example of how creative arts education can empower students to step out of their comfort zones, develop new skills, and form lasting connections within their school community.