Queen Creek High School Brings Magic To Arizona With Harry Potter And The Cursed Child
Last year Queen Creek High School (QCHS) theater won a competition for the rights to perform Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. QCHS theater will be the first theater in Arizona to put on the play and is one of the few theater companies in the nation to bring this performance of the wizarding world to life. As the play opens today, Friday, November 1, students reflect on the journey it took to get to this point.
“It feels like an incredible opportunity and something we’ve worked very hard for ”expressed Senior Seth R. Rehearsals have pushed students to dig deeper into their complex roles and learn to trust their abilities.
Senior Milo B. echoed this excitement, “It’s really cool to be able to put on a play that has been on Broadway, and now we get to do it all in high school.” Reflecting on the rehearsal process, Milo explained how the play has moved from scenes on paper to staged rehearsals to now complete technical aspects that bring everything together. “It’s just really cool seeing it all come together in the end,” he added.
Theater director, Mr. Spitler, has been a central part of the production and the students, providing constructive direction that has helped students grow as performers and individuals. “He’s helped me so much in some of the scenes and with acting that I’ve struggled with,” Milo B. said. “He’s got me to come out of my shell and find more confidence.” Seth added, “He’s supported us every step of the way, on and off stage.”
Abigail B., who has been part of the QCHS theater program for four years, states how this production feels like a culmination of her high school experience. “The process has been completely different. Normally our productions are musicals and plays, but this is almost like a movie that we get to change and make our own. It's been awesome though, especially for senior year. You're taking in all the rehearsal time with your friends, and it's just — awesome.”
For all three seniors, the QCHS fine arts program has been more than just an extracurricular. It has been an anchor and a source of lifelong memories. “Theater is everything to me – it’s my passion and future. It’s where I met and created lifelong friendships,” Seth R. shared, revealing the personal impact of the program and his gratitude for a creative space to grow. Milo and Abigail echoed this sentiment, with Milo reflecting on how theater became a second home, helping him find friends and gain confidence over his high school years.
As the students of Queen Creek High School prepare to unveil Harry Potter and the Cursed Child to the public, they carry with them not only their dedication and skill but also a profound appreciation for the role that theater has played in shaping their high school journey. This production is more than just a play; it’s a testament to the power of the arts in education, bringing stories to life and creating lasting memories for everyone involved.