Michael Tannebaum

Rollings Middle School of the Arts seventh-graders rehearse for their upcoming performances of “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing.” From left: Kate Nyman, Aubrey Kieber, Damondre Green, Trenton Howard, Weston Groome, Ryan McGoldrick.

Damondre Green’s classmates and teacher would tell you that the Rollings Middle School of the Arts seventh-grader hasn’t acted his age lately.

They would tell you he’s stubborn, has thrown tantrums and is difficult to get along with.

Of course, these descriptions would only describe Green’s actions on stage when the gifted theatre student rehearses for his upcoming role of Fudge, a three-year-old who wrecks havoc on his older brother’s life in “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing.”

Next week, two of Stephanie Baird’s theatre classes will hold several performances of an adaptation of the popular children’s novel written by Judy Blume.

Green says he’s worked hard over the last couple of months to learn the nuances of his character.

“I’ve enjoyed playing a three-year-old because it’s allowed me to act up again,” Green said with a laugh. “From the start I thought it would be fun and I was right.”

Over four days, the students will perform for about 1,200 elementary school students and will hold shows Nov. 17 and Nov. 19 for the public.

In recent days, many teachers whose students will see the play have read the book to their classes. The upcoming performance is the latest in the line of annual plays that Baird’s classes have held during National Children’s Book Week.

The more than 40 theatre students have been working to memorize the 76-page script since Labor Day, Baird said.

“This is the most difficult show my seventh-graders will do while at Rollings,” Baird said. “It’s not only the hardest show they’ll do, but it’ll be the largest audience they perform for.”

“Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing” is a humorous story set in New York City that follows nine-year-old Peter Hatcher as he deals with his younger brother’s antics and school projects. Baird says the play will appeal to people of all ages because the “family” on stage is not unlike the typical family.

“It’s hilarious and it’s real life,” Baird said. “As a mother, I can see things that happen in this family that happen every day in my house.”

The two shows for the public each start at 7 p.m. and will be held at Rollings Middle School of the Arts, 815 S. Main Street, Summerville. The shows are free, but donations will be accepted.

Contact Michael Tannebaum at 873-9424 ext. 215 or mtannebaum@journalscene.com

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