A quiet moment between Belle and the Beast comes to life during dress rehearsal as students put the finishing touches on Beauty and the Beast Jr. (Daniel Purcell/NowGeorgia.com)
CLEVELAND, GA — More than 70 White County Middle School students are preparing to take the stage this week for Beauty and the Beast Jr., a student-driven production supported by drama teacher and director Lindsey Brackett.
The show will run April 16–18 at the White County High School Performing Arts Center, with performances scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday.
Students fine-tune their performance during a dress rehearsal ahead of this week’s show. (Daniel Purcell/NowGeorgia.com)
The production stands out for its double-cast structure, with two groups of students rotating lead roles across performances. The approach has allowed more students to take on major parts while working together to bring the same story to life in different ways.
Under Brackett’s direction, the program has created opportunities for students to be involved across all aspects of the production. In addition to performers on stage, students are contributing behind the scenes in areas such as stage management, costumes, props, and technical operations.
The cast includes students in principal roles, ensemble groups, and a dance troupe, all supported by a student crew handling lighting, sound, and production elements.
Preparation for the show has spanned several months, beginning with auditions in January and continuing through rehearsals, choreography, and full run-throughs. Students transitioned into the Performing Arts Center in early April, followed by technical and dress rehearsals leading up to opening night.
Students perform the high-energy “Be Our Guest” number during dress rehearsal of Beauty and the Beast Jr. at the White County High School Performing Arts Center. (Daniel Purcell/NowGeorgia.com)
Rehearsals have included everything from blocking and vocal work to full technical runs, with both casts working to refine timing, staging, and performance details.
The production of Beauty and the Beast Jr. is designed specifically for middle school performers and is based on Disney’s animated film and Broadway adaptation.
White County Middle School drama teacher Lindsey Brackett watches over rehearsal as students prepare for their production of Beauty and the Beast Jr. (Daniel Purcell/NowGeorgia.com)
While guided by Brackett and supported by school staff, the show reflects the work and commitment of the students bringing it to life; both on stage and behind the scenes.
Tickets are available online or at the door, with general admission priced at $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.
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