What is an arts-loving high school student to do when schools no longer have theatre programs of their own?
Well Ella Kruus, a theatre-loving Grade 12 student, started her own theatre production of Matilda which will debut on stage January 2025.
The Lake City Secondary School student took part in the Williams Lake Studio Theatre's production of Cinderella last year.
"I just remember thinking I really feel like there's so many kids at the high school who want to do a musical who talked to me about it," she said, later adding how having a musical at her high school is something she's had in the "back of my brain for years."
Ella said while she sees a lot of opportunities for students to take part in sports in their high school, she doesn't see a lot for students interested in the arts, except for band, which while great, still leaves many students out.
"I've learned from model UN and other things that if you want something you just have to do it yourself, and you can't wait for someone else to start it, even if you're only 17," she said.
Ella may only be 17, but she does already have a lot of really great connections in the community with people who have the skills to help her make it happen.
Through these connections, she assembled a crew of people to help with stage managing, direction and with the financial side to support her dream of producing a high school musical.
Thanks to the great support she received from across the larger arts community in Williams Lake, Ella has been working to bring her vision to life since about March 2024.
"I'm very grateful to have them," she said of the support team. One person helping her along the way has been Venta Rutkauskas, with the Community Arts Council of Williams Lake, who helped Ella apply for grants over the summer and secure the rights to the play. However, Rutkauskas gives Ella the credit for making it all happen.
"She's just really taken on lots herself," said Rutkauskas. "She's great and remarkable and organized. It's really great to see."
The cast of the show is made up of students ranging from Grade 9 to Grade 12, with Ella directing and acting in one small role.
The production is well into rehearsals, and will be on stage at the Lake City Secondary School January 18, 19, 25 and 26.
"It's very exciting," said Ella, who said she was really shocked by all of the talent she saw when she held auditions.
"I think they've been having a really good time too. I'm just really happy to have this experience for kids 'cause it's something I really wished I'd had when I was younger."
Tickets will be on sale for $10 each at the Medieval Market and after the market at The Open Book and hopefully at Lake City Secondary School. Watch for updates on the production and rehearsals on the group's Instagram @lcssmatilda.
"This is just me trying to make a community for people who are interested in the arts," she said. "Last year of high school — got to make it happen."
The play is being supported by funds from the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society, the school's PAC, Quintet Plus and the Community Arts Council of Williams Lake.
