The Ron Clark Academy Musical Takes Center Stage at the Alliance Theater

June 3, 2011, served as the opening night of the fourth annual Ron Clark Academy (RCA) musical.  The audience of parents, teachers, partners, and the community were present, making all three performances a sold out event. 

Every year the Academy musical has a specific theme and this year the focus was based on the school’s philosophy, which is “no fear.”

Fifth grader Wade Medford starred as Dr. Fear, a wicked villain who tried to desperately ruin the confidence and spirit of the RCA students.  Dr. Fear followed RCA students on their endless adventures, one of which even led them to a RCA group performance that ended with the lights out, but that didn’t stop the students from displaying their talent.

“Every year our students always raise the bar, and this performance is certainly a wonderful example of their spirit and commitment,” said Kim Bearden, executive director and co-founder of RCA.

The play was written, produced, and performed by RCA students.  Ron Clark, founder of RCA, supervised the students as they wrote and combined scenes into a script for the performance.  The Ron Clark Academy parents (RCAP) contributed by making some of the elaborate costumes and props. 

“This is the magic of the Ron Clark Academy.  Our parents are continually committed in making our students dreams a reality.  When one of the skits required elaborate high chairs and the other needed glow in the dark costumes, they worked on making it possible,” said Clark.

There was also a scene that was inspired by Revelations, which displays modern dance and showcases the artistry of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.  Tajee Barnes and Aleyna Bratton-Stalworth sang a duet, while dancers surrounded them during the performance. 

The performance ended with students coming together for a RCA graduation.  The students thought that the Black Eyed Peas would appear, but instead, Dr. Fear’s entourage came in as the “black eyed pea pods.”  Dr. Fear then realized the spirits of the students couldn’t be stopped and that they had no fear.  Eighth grader Kennedy Guest-Pritchett jumped to her feet to share with Dr. Fear that students of RCA choose not to live in fear and inspired the audience to do the same.