Behind the Scenes of ‘Annie” at Smith-Cotton

By Caydance Homan
S-C Queen City CAPS student and TSM intern

This October, Elizabeth Carter will direct Smith-Cotton's production of Annie, featuring students from both the high school and junior high. Carter and Amanda Iracheta are collaborating to deliver an outstanding musical in 2025. 

The junior high crew, led by Amanda Iracheta, started with small tasks, which eventually led to bigger ones, as they worked to ensure everything ran smoothly for the cast. Meanwhile, The Junior high and high school cast have been having rehearsals every day from 4 to 6 p.m., to help build a stronger musical for the public.

With the help of Avery Mather and Nicholas Smith leading the Vocalist, they are working together to help the cast find their voice in the musical and give it their all in the performances.

"The production is going very well. We chose Annie with the idea that we would do a joint musical with the junior high. I have seen students work harder than ever before. We have high schoolers mentoring junior high kids, and we have junior high kids working harder than ever. We have a cast of 70 students, a crew of 50 students, and a band of 30 students. We are working with 150 students, and we couldn't be more excited. We also have eight  staff members working hard to ensure that this production turns out great. It's a big endeavor, but we are well on our way!" Carter stated.

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Along with that, Iracheta states, “Being part of the first musical to combine our high school and junior high students has been both a challenge and a joy, the kind that grows a theatre program in all the best ways. Watching students from such varied grade levels collaborate has been full of positive connections, new learning experiences, and truly spotlight-worthy moments on stage. We have an amazing, dedicated group of students and staff who are pouring their hearts into bringing Annie to life.

In conclusion, the Annie show times are November 21st and 22nd from 7 to 9:30, and on the 23rd from 2 to 4:30. Mark your calendars for a great Show!