By the time Holy Trinity School’s production of The Rehearsal reached its final curtain call, the laughs came easily. What took months to build was something far more meaningful.
Through lunch-hour rehearsals, late afternoons spent learning lines, pizza dinners shared on the stage floor, dance practices, set construction, and more than a few unexpected challenges, a group of Grade 7 and 8 students became a team. Along the way, they discovered confidence, resilience, friendship, and a place to belong.
While audiences saw a hilarious comedy unfold on stage, what happened behind the scenes may have been the most important part of the story.
Bringing the Story to Life
For the educator and Director, Mr. Cholette, “The Rehearsal was the perfect choice. The comedy follows the chaotic process of putting on a musical, making it a natural fit for Holy Trinity students following the success of last year’s production of High School Musical.”
“We chose it because it had a range of fun characters and lots of opportunities for students to shine,” said Mr. Cholette.
The production gave students the opportunity to showcase their talents while embracing the wonderfully unpredictable world of live theatre.
Every Role Matters
One of the most important lessons students learned throughout the process was that every role matters. While audiences enjoyed the performances on stage, students were also serving as production assistants, managing props, helping with costumes, supporting set design, and keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
Some students even helped assemble parts of the set throughout the production itself. The experience reinforced something theatre teaches exceptionally well: success depends on people working together.
“They understood that each person, regardless of the role, is important and equal,” said Mr. Cholette.
Whether they were delivering a punchline, moving a prop, managing a costume change, or helping build a set piece, every student contributed to the success of the production.
Growing in Confidence
For many students, the stage became a place to take risks and try something new. As rehearsals progressed, students grew more confident in their performances, embraced feedback, and found their own unique voices. Mr. Cholette was continually impressed by their willingness to learn and improve.
“Their ability to take notes and direction seriously was incredible,” he said. “Even in Grades 7 and 8, they were able to find their voice and really shine on stage.”
The growth was evident not only in their performances, but also in the pride they took in their work and in one another’s success.
When Everything Went Wrong
One of the most memorable moments came during a final dress rehearsal.
Nearly everything that could have gone wrong did.
Lines were missed.
Cues were off.
Mistakes happened.
Instead of becoming frustrated, students regrouped, supported one another, and started again.
The next run-through left their directors speechless.
“They completely blew us away,” recalled Mr. Cholette. “No notes.”
It was a powerful reminder that success is not about avoiding mistakes. It is about learning from them, supporting one another, and continuing to move forward.
A School Community Effort
Like any great production, The Rehearsal was truly a community effort. Staff members across the school contributed their time, talents, and energy to help bring the show to life. Librarian Kristy Terry supported signage and logistics, while Courtney Young played an important role in set design and backstage support during rehearsals and performances. Brandon Kassis dedicated countless hours to building sets and assisting with front-of-house operations, while Pasquina Borracci helped guide the production as part of the creative team.
Holy Trinity’s commitment to the arts is also championed by staff members like Caitlin Villeneuve, whose passion for arts education continues to create opportunities for students to explore their creativity and discover new strengths.
A special recognition also belongs to Meghan Beanlands, who served as Dance Choreographer and Director for the production. Her creativity, leadership, and countless hours behind the scenes helped shape every aspect of the show. From choreography and rehearsals to guiding students through every stage of the process, her dedication helped make the production possible.
The wider community also played an important role. Sound expert Marc Seguin and lighting specialist Don Douglas from Centrepointe Theatre shared their expertise with students, providing valuable insight into the technical side of live performance and helping students develop a deeper appreciation for everything that happens beyond the spotlight.
Parents and families were equally important to the success of the production. From countless drives to rehearsals and performances to ongoing encouragement along the way, families helped ensure students had the opportunity to explore their creativity, build confidence, and experience the arts in a meaningful way.
Finding a Place to Belong
Productions like The Rehearsal do more than entertain an audience. They bring together students who may never have crossed paths otherwise. They create friendships, foster teamwork, and build connections that often extend far beyond the stage. “The kids are like a family,” said Mr. Cholette.
It is one of the reasons theatre continues to play such an important role at Holy Trinity. It creates opportunities for students to connect with one another, discover new strengths, and find a place where they belong.
Looking back, Mr. Cholette is most proud not simply of the performance itself, but of the young people who emerged from the experience. “They care about one another, they care about the show, and they take pride in their work,” he said. While specific lines from the production may eventually fade from memory, the friendships, confidence, and sense of belonging created backstage will remain.
At Holy Trinity, The Rehearsal was more than a school play. It was a reminder of what can happen when students are given the opportunity to take risks, support one another, and share their gifts with the world.
