By Melissa Wagoner
Dylan Uselman was a self-described shy child, anxious about public speaking – then in high school he discovered theater, and everything changed.
“[T]he fantastic teacher, [Doug] Ousterhout – who’s still teaching drama and putting on shows at the high school to this day – created such a welcoming and safe space for anyone that wanted to join,” Uselman recalled. “It didn’t matter what background or social group you belonged to; you were welcome in Mr. Ousterhout’s theater.”
That experience was so life-changing that Uselman – now a math and technology teacher at Butte Creek Elementary School – has created his own theater program for students in the fourth through eighth grades.
“If I can capture even half of that magic, I’ll count our program here at Butte Creek as a success,” Uselman said.
Currently working on a production of Matilda the Musical Jr., with the help of co-director Sarah Leiterman, Uselman has a cast of 28 students singing, dancing and getting comfortable performing on stage.
“We have seen kids totally come out of their shell during their musical experience,” Leiterman said. “Plus, if kids don’t want to do a sport, they still have a chance to be in an after-school activity. We really hope it’s something we can continue to do for many years.”
The third musical of its kind that the school has put on, Matilda is the story of a brave and brilliant young girl who finds herself, her tribe – and her magical powers – despite having to deal with dysfunctional parents and an evil headmistress.
“The musical follows the book [by Roald Dahl] …” Leiterman said. “It’s very similar to the new Netflix version with the same songs! It’s just a bit shorter…”
Perfect for families and children of all ages, performances will be on May 10 and 11 at 7 p.m. in the Silverton High School Auditorium.
“There is no charge for tickets, but we do accept donations,” Leiterman said.
“We hope it goes smoothly and that the kids get that feeling of accomplishment at seeing all their hard work over the previous months pay off and come together to put on an applause-worthy show.”
Matilda the Musical Jr.
Production by Butte Creek Elementary School
Silverton High School Auditorium
1456 Pine St.
May 10 and 11, 7 p.m.
Donations accepted
