Scott Middle School students saw their Broadway-based dreams turn into Lincoln-based reality this winter when they performed for two professional actors.
 
Fifty-eight Scott actors presented snippets of Beetlejuice Jr. for members of the nationwide tour of Beetlejuice. Sophie Aknin and Marc Ginsburg stopped by the school’s multipurpose room to watch students perform four songs from the show.
 
Scott eighth graders Jennie, Ella and Tyson said visiting with Aknin and Ginsburg was a highlight of the year.
 
“It’s like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Jennie said. “It’s just really exciting. It’s like a big honor for me that I get to meet real people on Broadway.”
 
“It was so cool,” Ella said. “I’ve loved theater basically my whole life, and it was just incredible to get to meet people that actually do it for a living.”
 
Scott teachers Taylor Eschliman and Shelley Lyon are co-directing the musical.
 
“The moment we told them, there was this huge buzz of energy – lots of gasps, wide eyes and cheering,” Eschliman said.
 
Aknin and Ginsburg told students they were impressed with what they saw on stage.
 
“We were excited to see it,” Aknin said. “This was really good work from everybody.”
 
“Overall your energy is so good,” Ginsburg said. “You could tell you were having so much fun.”
 
Tyson said he enjoyed listening to a question-and-answer session after the Scott actors performed. Aknin and Ginsburg shared how they became professional artists and how they were selected for their roles.
 
“It was pretty cool to hear their stories and how they like to do their characters,” Tyson said.
 
Ginsburg applauded the Stars for their dedication. He encouraged them to watch as many types of theater productions as possible.
 
“I love watching people and seeing how people are able to craft a character,” Ginsburg said. “I just love examining how people work.”
 
Aknin urged students to continue practicing with purpose and meaning.
 
“You already have a great show, so you should be proud and excited about it,” Aknin said.
 
Ella said she would enjoy walking on the same career path as Aknin and Ginsburg one day.
 
“I’m obviously only in middle school, so I still have a long time to decide what to do, but it’s definitely an option,” Ella said. “It’d be so cool and super fun.”
 
Do you have a story idea? Share it with the LPS Communications Team by filling out this form!