15 S U M M E R 2 0 1 7
BI R D'S EY E V I EW
Mr. Stoddard comes from a musical theatre
background. He has a Master's degree in
eatre Education, created Community
eatre Works—one of the largest education
theatres in Wisconsin, and recently performed
as Lord Farquaad in Shrek. His latest ambition
at Palmer Trinity School was to direct an
outdoor musical that involved the entire
PTS community.
"One of the things I love about Palmer Trinity is
the stunning campus. I longed to do an outdoor
show in the heart of it. When I walked the
grounds outside, Once on is Island jumped out
to me immediately. e Caribbean score and
dialogue that refers to nature and journeying
around the island seemed perfect," he said.
Mr. Stoddard was looking for a show that could
unify all the grades and the faculty. He wanted
an ensemble show where the actors rarely left
the stage, the success of the production wouldn't
fall on a few principal actors, and the roles were
appropriate for all ages. A large ensemble show
would mean that the production would not
be able to be contained within the black box
theatre. us began the construction of the
outdoor stage.
Once on is Island's 30-foot stage was a
colorful and intricate masterpiece that used the
trees already on our grounds as part of the set.
Students worked hard at painting and crafting
leaves, trees, and ocean scenery. e effect was
a colorful and eye-catching visual treat.
"We built a large stage that allowed us to
take the audience into the heart of campus at
night; they were able to feel the beautiful 70
degree breeze and hear wonderful Caribbean-
inspired music from our students," remarked
Mr. Stoddard.
e musical was a true masterpiece that
marked the end of the school year
with festivity.
THIS YEAR HAS MARKED A TURNING POINT IN OUR THEATRE DEPARTMENT AS WE
WELCOMED THE SCHOOL'S NEW THEATRE TEACHER, MR. MICHAEL STODDARD.
Once On This Island
A MUSICAL TO FIT THE
TROPICAL BE AUT Y OF PTS
