Next week’s production of the Upper School musical “The Secret Garden” will be like no other production in St. Margaret’s history. Students have worked tirelessly since September to completely reimagine the musical, which will feature cutting-edge video production design to illustrate the set and scenery.

“This production marks a bold departure into unchartered territory for The Arts at St. Margaret’s, namely video projection design. This medium lies at the intersections of technology, art and design. It’s the future of American theater and introduces another interactive mode for storytelling in live performance. It is therefore a fantastic learning opportunity for our students,” said Director Nathan Wheeler.

Senior and Brown University-bound Shelby Nicholas, who was just named The Orange County Register Artist of the Week, has been integrally involved in designing original frame-by-frame animations projected onto a sloped rake stage. Virtually all of the artwork and animations are original, hand-drawn content.

The highly-complex process involves a tremendous amount of collaboration, and a diverse set of skills such as a deep understanding of different hardware and software applications, visual art capabilities and programming expertise. Thanks to a generous grant from the Parent Teacher Fellowship and the Arts Alliance Community Enrichment, a recent graduate from the Master in Fine Arts program in video performance at CalArts was hired to help guide and consult students through the massive undertaking. The grant also funded an educational opportunity beyond the stage teaching those students who are enrolled in drama and tech classes at the school this semester more about the process of video projection design.

Stage Manager Cooper Zediker, grade 12, and the entire production tech crew are learning the technicalities of the video projection process including the precision, math, lighting and timing. Additionally, the entire cast participates in the process by learning the timing of their placement on stage and the timing of the projection onto them. The animations and the actors are all interconnected at times, as well as the music of the orchestra.

“Our unique approach to “The Secret Garden” reflects the risk-taking we aspire to role model for our students, exposes them to an innovative work environment, and cultivates learning through the inherently collaborative art form of theater,” said Mr. Wheeler.

The captivating children’s literature classic “The Secret Garden” will grace the stage of the Hurlbut Theater March 17 and 18 at 7 p.m. and March 19 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and is suitable for audiences of all ages.

The 40 Upper School cast members, coached by Vocal Director Stacey Miles, will be accompanied by the Upper School Orchestra and Chamber Ensemble members, including several Middle School musicians, under the direction of Orchestra Director Gene Wie.

“The Secret Garden,” written by American-English novelist and playwright Frances Hodgson Burnett in 1911, is a beloved childhood classic. Orphaned in India, 11-year-old Mary Lennox returns to Yorkshire, England, in the early 1900s to live with her embittered, reclusive uncle Archibald and his invalid son Colin. The estate’s many wonders include a hidden garden that mysteriously beckons the children. The haunting melodies and spirits emanating from behind the gate proceed to guide Mary through her new life in a compelling tale of forgiveness and renewal.

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Get a behind-the-scenes look at this reimaged production in the below video by Connor Jordan, grade 11, and Tejav Narayanan, grade 10.

Upper School Musical "The Secret Garden" Behind the Scenes Preview from St. Margaret’s Episcopal School on Vimeo.