Before Peter Pan, There Was a Different Adventure
Most people know of Peter Pan (the boy who never grows up), his friends the Lost Boys, Captain Hook, and the magical world of Neverland. But what happened before Peter became Peter Pan? That is the story Burlingame Intermediate School (BIS) students will bring to the stage this fall in Peter and the Starcatcher, the Tony Award-winning play that reimagines the origins of the beloved Peter Pan story.
Set before the familiar tale, the play follows an orphan known as Boy, a young Starcatcher-in-training named Molly, a mysterious trunk filled with magical “starstuff,” and a ship full of pirates. Along the way, the characters encounter danger, comedy, and more than a little magic, all brought to life through inventive stagecraft and the limitless possibilities of imagination.
For the BIS cast and crew, the production is an opportunity to take on a wildly theatrical story while discovering what they can create together. For months, sixth through eighth graders have been learning their roles, building an ensemble, and bringing the ships, characters, and fantastical settings of this adventure!
For eighth grader Zack Chall, being part of BIS Performing Arts has been a highlight of middle school. “BIS performing arts is one of the greatest things I have chosen to do in my life,” Zack says. “It's fun to be on stage and always exciting seeing what role everyone got, and how they are going to make it awesome. It's a great way to get involved after school; and a great way to meet new friends.”
That sense of community is part of what makes theater so meaningful for students. Eighth grader Clara Moss describes the experience with gratitude, “Being in theater has been one of my favorite parts of school. It is such an extraordinary and accepting community that I feel blessed to be a part of.”
The benefits extend well beyond the stage. Through rehearsals and performances, students learn to collaborate, respond to one another, solve problems and take creative risks. They build confidence as they discover new talents, support their castmates and work toward a shared goal. For Davina Chall, a BIS and Washington parent, watching that growth is one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.
“We are so grateful to have performing arts at BIS, all thanks to the amazing support of our community via BCE! These programs give our kids a chance to truly shine, discover their passions, and build confidence on and off the stage. The camaraderie, friendships, and sense of pride shared among the cast and crew is a real highlight for me to witness as a parent.” -BIS Parent Davina Chall
That community support helps make opportunities like Peter and the Starcatcher possible. Burlingame Community for Education Foundation (BCE) supports performing arts and other essential programs across Burlingame's public schools, helping ensure students have opportunities to explore their interests, develop their skills and discover what they love. When students step onto the stage, they bring their own creativity and hard work, along with the support of a community that believes in the value of a well-rounded education.
Audiences have plenty to look forward to this October. Peter and the Starcatcher offers a fresh perspective on a familiar story. Peter isn't Peter Pan yet, Neverland has yet to take shape, and the origins of beloved characters and relationships unfold throughout the adventure. With pirates, magic, humor and plenty of theatrical surprises, the production promises an entertaining experience for audiences of all ages.
Come See What BIS Students Can Create
BIS Performing Arts will present Peter and the Starcatcher on the following dates:
Thursday, October 22 at 7 p.m.
Friday, October 23 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, October 24 at 2 p.m.
Tickets start at just $5 and are available online here. The production is sponsored by BCE.
Whether you're a longtime BIS theater supporter or have never attended a school production before, this is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the talent, imagination and teamwork of Burlingame students. If you believe every student deserves the chance to discover a passion, build confidence and shine, consider making a donation to BCE. Community support helps fund performing arts and other essential programs throughout Burlingame's public schools. Your generosity helps create more opportunities for students to learn, grow and thrive, both onstage and off. For BIS students, this production is part of their own adventure in creativity, friendship, and discovery. We hope you'll join us in the audience and help make these experiences possible for generations of Burlingame students!
