Grades 7/8: Graland Theatre Company Brings “Beekle” to the Stage
Graland Theatre Company students in Grades 7 and 8 recently brought “Beekle” to the stage, taking on roles both on stage and behind the scenes.
Inspired by the picture book “The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend” by Dan Santat, the performance tells the story of an imaginary friend who sets out to find his real-world companion. With special permission from the author, students shared their interpretation with ECLC and Lower School audiences, as well as the broader community.
The production was part of a year-long Spark elective, where students worked together to create a performance using devised theater and Moment Work, a collaborative approach in which the ensemble builds a piece from the ground up. The program was developed by Drama Teachers Mrs. Julie Lachance and Mr. Dan O’Neill, in collaboration with Library Director Mrs. Ashleigh Stepanian, through a summer grant followed by professional development that helped shape the curriculum.
Throughout the course, students participated in workshops with the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and explored elements like sound, movement, and composition. Working as an ensemble, they contributed ideas and creative choices that brought the production to life.
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
