If you walked into the gym at St. Michael Corkery, you would think a professional theatre company had taken over.
You would be wrong.
This production of The Lion King is something even better. It is an Ottawa Catholic School Board community coming together to create something unforgettable for students, and in doing so, opening doors for them to discover talents they may not have known they had.
A Sound That Took Years to Build
At the heart of the performance is a choir that does more than sing; it tells a story.
That sound has been shaped over the past decade by Tracy Frank, who many would describe as a legend in the school community. Tracy works in Human Resources at the Board, yet week after week, she gives up her lunch hour to lead the choir.
For ten years, she has shown up. She has guided students through vocal technique, helped them build confidence, and coached them through Zulu lyrics with care and precision.
What you hear on stage is not just talent. It is the result of consistent care and commitment, helping students grow, find their voice, and feel good in who they are.
Transforming a Gym into Something More
Long before the first audience member arrives, the work is already underway.
Parents and staff step into the role of stage builders, lifting, setting, and hanging large backdrops that transform the gym into the African savanna. It does not happen by chance. It happens because people say yes, roll up their sleeves, and work side by side.
In those moments, connections are built. Students see what it looks like when people show up for one another.
Lights, Focus, Action
In one corner of the gym, a parent works the spotlight alongside his son.
Together, they bring each scene to life, creating an atmosphere that draws the audience in. From sourcing the equipment to running it during the performance, it is a reminder that creativity and problem-solving often come from the community itself.
The Heart of Backstage
Between performances, the pace only picks up.
Backstage becomes a hub of energy led by a dedicated group of parents. Costumes are sorted, labelled, and ready to go. Makeup is applied with care, transforming students into characters they are proud to become.
With multiple students sharing key roles, the organization required is no small feat. And yet, it runs seamlessly because of the quiet dedication behind the scenes.
Long After the Applause
When the final curtain falls, the work continues.
Parents stay late into the evening, taking down sets, packing props, and restoring the gym. By morning, everything is back in place.
It is the kind of behind-the-scenes care that often goes unseen, but it matters. It creates the space for learning and daily routines to begin again the next day.
More Than a Performance
This is more than a school play.
It is students stepping into something new, supported by the people around them. It is relationships built through shared effort and a community that makes space for every child to participate and succeed.
At St. Michael Corkery, The Lion King is not just a performance.
It is a reminder that when students are given the opportunity to try, to grow, and to be supported along the way, something meaningful takes shape.
