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Building Community Through Theater: Mr. Estervig’s Summer Work with BDACT

Actors bowing in Alice and Wonderland production

While some teachers may spend their summers taking a break, Wayland Academy’s Fine Arts Department Chair, Mr. Andrew Estervig P`29, can often be found at the Beaver Dam Area Community Theatre (BDACT), bringing stories to life on stage. For the past six years, he has directed productions for BDACT’s Tell-A-Tale Program, which provides theatre opportunities for local children.  

This summer, Mr. Estervig directed Alice in Wonderland Jr., a production based on the beloved 1951 Disney film. The show featured a cast of 60 students in grades 3-5 from the Beaver Dam area. After auditions in May, the cast rehearsed five days a week leading up to five performances in mid-July, preparing music, choreography, and staging.  

Over the years, Mr. Estervig has directed or co-directed several youth productions at BDACT, including The Show Must Go Online, The Most Epic Birthday Party Ever, The Claw, TutTut, and Finding Nemo, Jr. He noted, “The program is a wonderful part of the Beaver Dam community that has been running for decades.” 

The relationship between BDACT and Wayland also creates opportunities beyond the summer stage. Wayland productions benefit from access to BDACT’s expansive props and costume library, while several of Wayland’s day students gain valuable performance experience by participating in community shows. On campus, Mr. Estervig directs Wayland’s musicals and plays alongside Ms. Kesler `08. This year’s musical, Annie, will have evening performances on October 30-November 1.  

Mr. Estervig’s commitment to theatre—both at Wayland and in the community—highlights the ways the arts connect students, schools, and neighbors through creativity and collaboration.