BIS Students ROCK the Spring Musical

The electric, student-driven production of We Will Rock You, with music by Queen, was made possible by BCE donors.

Each spring, the auditorium at Burlingame Intermediate School (BIS) comes alive with the energy and excitement of the annual spring musical. This cherished tradition offers our middle schoolers more than just a chance to perform—it provides a platform to build confidence, foster creativity, and develop lasting friendships. The 2025 production of We Will Rock You was no exception, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of our young performers .

Featuring many chart-topping Queen songs including the title song, Another One Bites the Dust, Bohemian Rhapsody, Killer Queen, Somebody To Love, and We Are the Champions, the story follows two young rebels on iPlanet, previously known as Earth, in a post-apocalyptic future.  Escaping the all-powerful Globalsoft company, which has forced all youth to conform and consume the same culture and ideas, the rebels join up with the Bohemians to fight for freedom and the rebirth of rock music.  In an age when algorithms predict our every preference, this was a musical for our time: a fist-pumping, foot-stomping anthem to individuality!

“A musical about teenage rebels, set to all Queen music, has been such an exciting gift and truly a new favorite production to be a part of!  The cast and crew reached success with every performance like true champions, ‘fighting 'til the end’ to ‘make a big noise,’” said BIS Counselor and Director Jennifer Ibos.  She added, “As always, having BCE, our biggest fans and supporters,  fund our production gave us the exciting opportunity to rediscover rock and ‘do the fandango!’”

Participating in a musical offers students more than just a chance to perform; it provides a unique opportunity to build confidence, foster teamwork, and develop a deep appreciation for the arts. From the first rehearsal to the final curtain call, students engage in a creative journey that enhances their communication skills, discipline, and self-expression. Sixth grader Julia Whitten, who joined BIS performing arts for the first time in the role of a Super Yuppie explained, “My favorite part of being in the BIS musical is all the friends that I made there and the community. You learn how to work in a team and other teamwork aspects because you can't make a musical alone.”

“The things I love about being in the musicals is how nice the cast and crew are and how supportive and encouraging the directors are. My words of encouragement to others who may be interested in being in musicals, is that theater is a judgement free zone where you can be yourself and find interests you never thought you had.” - Seventh Grader Asher McCoy, returning for his third BIS Performing Arts production as Brit

Students don’t just act in BIS theater productions, but are responsible for all aspects of the performance, including lighting, sound, set and prop design, costume design, publicity, and curtain rigging. Sixth grader Alex Margulies, returning for his second production as Lighting Technician, told us, "It’s fun being part of the theater community. It’s nice how everyone brings something different to the production and together we make something cool."

The opportunities to work on crew give students with a range of talents and interests a chance to get involved in BIS theater. This was seventh grader Miko Saito’s third time working on a production, and she had advice for those students who might be nervous to get involved. "I would tell everyone to just go for it, because being able to be a part of this wonderful community is one of the best things I have ever been able to be in. None of this would have been possible had I not signed up and gone for it!" 

Opportunities like the BIS musical are far from guaranteed in California’s public middle schools, where arts and performing programs are often limited or nonexistent due to funding constraints. At Burlingame Intermediate School, generous support from the BCE donors makes it possible for students to experience the joy, challenge, and reward of theater. For many families, this program has become a transformative part of their middle school journey—offering more than a creative outlet, it builds confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging.

Anabelle Terry, an eighth grader in her fifth BIS production who played a Super Yuppie, shared how much these experiences have shaped her. “Since sixth grade, I’ve participated in every show and developed a community of people who feel like family. Drama has taught me important life skills—time management, resilience, collaboration, communication, and confidence—that I use both on stage and in my daily life.” Fellow eighth grader Alex To, who has participated in six BIS productions and played Kashoggi, echoed that sentiment, noting, “Theater has significantly improved my social and expressive abilities and helped me develop public speaking and collaboration skills I’ll carry into high school and beyond.”

"I’ve seen myself build teamwork and trust while coming out of my shell. I plan to try out for musicals in high school because I really enjoyed my involvement with the middle school musicals." -Eighth Grader Rocco Focha, returning for his sixth BIS Performing Arts production as a Bot, Police, and Doctor

For parents like Alia Cole, whose children Hudson and Sienna were both in this year’s cast, the impact has been just as meaningful. “Hudson landing his first speaking role gave him runway to let his inner rock star fly! Sienna’s friend group expanded beyond her grade and her usual circle.” She added, “Our evenings and car rides have been full of laughter and excitement. Having both of my kids in the show was a truly touching experience… they shared inside jokes, made new friends, and experienced the joy of theater together.” Thanks to BCE’s funding, these students aren’t just putting on a show—they’re discovering parts of themselves and connecting in ways that will stay with them for years to come.

Special thanks to BCE Business Sponsors Burlingame Soccer Club and Caccia Home Services for their support of BIS theater. 

How You Can Help the BIS Performing Arts Program

Funding the BIS fall play and spring musical are one of many ways that donations to BCE help make our schools dynamic communities that engage students beyond the basic curriculum. BCE relies on generous support from parents, businesses and community members to meet its grant goals. Donations to BCE provide our schools with funding for enhancing the educational experience for every child in Burlingame. If you haven’t given yet this year, our suggested donation amount is $2,000 per student, but every dollar makes a difference. Consider joining our Scholars Circle by making a donation of $4,000 or more.

DONATE TODAY

 A big BCE thank you to BIS parent Elliot Margulies for the amazing photos of the We Will Rock you cast and crew!