They all rule the ‘Jungle’

Most second-graders know the difference between left and right.

At Mount Bethel Elementary School in Cobb County, budding performers know the difference between stage left and stage right, too.

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Mikki K. Harris/mkharris@ajc.com

Students at Mt. Bethel Elementary in Marietta rehearse for their performance.

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Mikki K. Harris/mkharris@ajc.com

Sara Helberg, a second-grader at Mt. Bethel, rehearses for ‘The Jungle Book Kids.’

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Students at the school will perform the musical “The Jungle Book Kids” at 7 p.m. Friday at Dodgen Middle School.

They aren’t just monkeying around — both shows are sold out.

More than 90 second- and third-grade students auditioned in August for 65 parts in the production, which is directed by Mount Bethel drama teacher Blake Cooper.

Nineteen after-school rehearsals later, the ensemble is ready to take to the Dodgen Middle stage, complete with elaborate costumes and scenery and professional sound and lighting.

Wednesday afternoon was the dress rehearsal for the cast, before the big night.

Cooper, who acted professionally before switching to teaching, said for elementary students, it’s all about the experience.

He began performing at his students’ age.

Now it’s more acceptable for children to be involved in fine arts rather than sports, he said.

“It’s the base of the confidence level and being able to work on their self-esteem before they go to middle school,” said Cooper, who directs productions at two other elementary schools in east Cobb County.

“A lot of my kids go on to middle schools and land the lead parts in the middle school productions.”