Conestoga Theater Students Inspire Over Summer Vacation

Tuesday on the TE Patch Facebook Page we asked for stories of how local students have spent their summer vacation.  It didn't take long to hear about two high school students who put their theatrical talents and experience to work inspiring younger kids and entertaining audiences of all ages.

Susan Smart of the Tredyffrin Public Library gives a standing e-vation (it came via email) to Nell Hoban and Claire Moran who produced a fresh new musical version of Cinderella this summer at Tredyffrin Public Library.

Susan says the two Conestoga High School students (Claire graduated in June and is starting as a freshman in Broadcasting at Syracuse University this fall) "were great role models to a new crop of thespians who will produce more family entertainment at the library."

Here's how Susan described what the pair did for the community this summer:

 "In response to your call for outstanding students, I give you Nell Hoban and Claire Moran who produced a fresh new musical version of Cinderella this summer at Tredyffrin Public Library. Claire was the director and Nell was the music director for Cinderella: A Musical Play performed at the library in July.

They did everything from casting, blocking, running rehearsals, and teaching harmonies to a cast of middle and high school students. Both have been involved in previous productions at the library, acting and directing, and they were very involved in theatre at Conestoga, on stage and off.

They used their passion and talent to give the Tredyffrin community quality, inexpensive entertainment. And the community loved it! All three shows were sold out to a crowd of all ages. One little girl was so inspired, she joined the actors onstage to dance with Cinderella!

Plus, Nell and Claire were great role models to a new crop of thespians who will produce more family entertainment at the library."

The show sold out three performances in July, according to the library.

Claire and Nell brought years of theatrical experience to Cinderella, both having directed productions at the library and participated in dramas and musicals during their four years at Conestoga.

“Claire and I are best friends, so being able to work on one more show together before we go to college is wonderful,” said Nell.

In her first experience as music director, Nell cast the show with Claire, organized all the music, added harmonies, and helped the cast learn the music. She finds the score fun and new and easy to learn. Additionally, she is teaching the cast how to incorporate acting into their singing. In the fall, Nell will attend Temple University to study music education.

Claire has been involved in theater since first grade and, in doing so, has made many life-long friendships. She especially enjoys directing because she gets to see her vision played out on stage and work closely with a variety of people.

Tell us about how you or a student you know spent their summer vacation making a difference.