After weeks of practice, he finally feels confident in his role. Braxton Ulrich takes the stage with his first few lines and shortly thereafter, exits. Learning lines, stage directions, and just the general makeup of a show is very confusing, but the sixth graders performing in “M*A*S*H,” written by Richard Hooker, seem to have it down. It’s a struggle trying to make it in the theater business, and these sixth graders are just beginning to gain necessary experience.

When asked if they got the parts that they wanted most, they shared their opinions and experience in the casting. “I actually got a bigger part than I wanted. I was going for Boone, but I got Walt, which I’m really happy about,” shares Bryson Felton. “I didn’t exactly get the part that I wanted, but I’m still happy to be part of the show,” Braxton Ulrich comments. “I wanted Hawkeye but I knew I wouldn’t get it because it’s a pretty big part,” Xander Weinreich says.

All of the sixth graders in this particular show have at least one show under their belt, including “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown” and some Prairie Fire Children’s Theater shows, but still feel nervous about performing with more veteran students. “It’s kind of scary being with the older kids, because they have so much experience, but they’re kind of like the parents, y’know?” explains Braxton Ulrich. “I mean, they’re all sort of becoming my friends,” agrees Bryson Felton.

“Practice has been going really well so far. I mean, getting the lines right are kind of hard though,” comments Braxton Ulrich. Over the past few weeks, these sixth graders have been learning lines and blocking scenes. And on top of that, making the show run smoothly.

At the end of the final scene on opening night, as the lights fade, Braxton Ulrich smiles. He walks onto the stage during curtain call and bows, waiting until everyone is finished so he can run offstage and meet the audience knowing that he has done well.