April 20th, 2026

Written by Polina, a Laurel Heights Secondary School student. Photo by Adib and Wyatt.

A Different Kind of Fall Production

This year, Laurel Heights Secondary School presented an impressive fall production, Bright Lights at Laurel Heights: Broadway and Beyond, which brought together scenes from 18 different Broadway shows and musicals.

What made this production especially unique was not only its variety, but that many of the scenes were student-directed. The final product was a fast-paced, energetic show that highlighted the diverse talents within the school community. With over 100 students involved, the production was a meaningful experience that offered students a chance to shine.

Student Production and the Power of Communication

The production featured 16 student-directed scenes from popular musicals such as High School Musical, La La Land, and Mamma Mia, along with two full-cast scenes directed by teachers. 

In September, students pitched their scene ideas. The final performance took place two months later. Bringing together that many scenes required careful coordination and strong teamwork. Throughout the rehearsal period, dozens of students collaborated closely, supporting one another and working through challenges as they arose.

Logan, the production’s stage manager, reflects on the experience: “Throughout this production, I’ve been able to improve and develop my project management skills as we navigated various issues and setbacks…I was bridging communication gaps and rigging solutions for sudden problems.” 

Beyond learning technical responsibilities, students strengthened problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, especially during high-pressure moments. Many student leaders also balanced multiple roles, from organizing rehearsals to coordinating large teams, gaining valuable leadership experience along the way.

Behind the Scenes: Technical Skills in Action

The technical side of the production played a crucial role in bringing Bright Lights at Laurel Heights: Broadway and Beyond to life. 

Student tech leaders applied skills they learned in class, gaining real-world experience by programming lighting cues, mixing sound for a large cast, documenting the process through photography, and designing the show’s branding, including posters, programs, and t-shirts. 

Wyatt, the production’s Co-Head of Sound, Co-Head of Photography, and Co-Head of Marketing, explains how classroom learning translated into real-world application: “Most of my previous experience that contributed to working on this show came from Communications Technology. In that course, I’ve learned many important graphic design principles and how to use them effectively. 

“Communications Technology is also what got me hooked on photography. I remember the first time in Grade 9 when I got to use a camera in that course, and it just got me hooked.” 

Building Community from the Start of the Year

Fall productions often can help shape the school year by fostering a strong sense of community early on. 

One Grade 12 student from LHSS shares, “Productions like Bright Lights at Laurel Heights: Broadway and Beyond can bring together so many students from many different departments or groups. This production allowed for a larger variety of performances and for people to explore their interests.” 

As students from different programs worked toward a shared goal, many formed meaningful connections that extended beyond the stage. Despite challenges such as tight schedules and last-minute adjustments, the cast and crew delivered a polished final performance that they could be proud of.

Bright Lights at Laurel Heights: Broadway and Beyond was supported by many other staff members who assisted with directing, rehearsals, costumes, set design, and technical elements. 

#StudentVoice Series

This article is written by a WRDSB student. Student journalists embody WRDSB’s commitment to creating space for students to tell their stories. They are ambassadors for their peers as they share their personal experiences and stories about their schools and communities in their unique voices.

Categories: News