Staff Reports
WHITEHOUSE, Texas, A unique collaboration between elementary students and high school performers took center stage this week, as second-grade stories were transformed into live theatrical productions at Whitehouse High School.
What began as a pilot project between Stanton-Smith Elementary and the WHS Theater Department has grown into a district-wide celebration of imagination and education. Thanks to a grant from the Whitehouse ISD Education Foundation awarded in Fall 2023, the initiative, titled “Bringing 2nd Grade Stories to Life on the Big Stage!”, officially launched, pairing young authors with high school performers to bring their original stories to life.
The program saw a major expansion in 2024 when the Foundation funded a second grant, allowing participation from all four elementary campuses in the district. More than 500 students have been involved in this year’s project.
As part of the initiative, second graders write short stories as part of their classroom curriculum. The WHS Theater Department then selects several of those stories to adapt into fully staged performances, complete with scripts, costumes, music, and props. The young authors are invited to attend a live showing of their work, often experiencing their words performed on stage for the first time.
The project has quickly become a beloved tradition across the district, promoting literacy and creativity among elementary students while offering hands-on experience for high school students interested in theater and education. The most recent grant provided funds for reusable costumes, props, and materials, helping ensure the program’s sustainability for future years.
“This is exactly the kind of collaboration that inspires our students and brings our community together,” said Courtney Coleman, Executive Director of the Whitehouse ISD Education Foundation.
