Middle School Play Presents “A Wash in Time”

By Melina M. & Dana P., Grade 9 

What happens when an entire group of middle school students comes together to write a story and then bring it to life on stage? This year’s middle school play answered that question with a creative and collaborative performance. 

The middle school play A Wash in Time was written and directed by Ms. Ryan with help from students and teachers at MIS. The story follows four friends who want to grow up but accidentally travel through time in a washing machine. They visit different places and moments in history, including the Titanic, the moon, and the age of cavemen. The play was created through brainstorming, student ideas, and many script edits. We found the play creative, funny, and impressive because it showed how much work the students and teachers put into bringing their ideas to the stage. 

“I wanted them to have ownership as much as me,” said Ms. Ryan, the writer and director of the play.   

  The play started because the school originally planned to perform Alice in Wonderland, but the rights were not ready in time. Instead of giving up, Ms. Ryan and the students created something new, completely from scratch. The students helped choose the theme of time travel and shared ideas for scenes. Some parts of the play were even fully written by students. This made the final performance feel like a real group project, not just something written by one person.  

“I just really tried to include everyone’s ideas,” said Ms. Ryan.

One of the biggest challenges was rehearsing without always having access to the PAC because of exams. Ms. Ryan explained that it was hard to see the full vision of the show without the stage, lights, and large props. The team also had to make changes after some music was removed, and some students dropped out. Still, the cast continued working hard, especially the fifth, sixth, and seventh graders, who brought energy and enthusiasm to the show.  

“As far as the students go and their lines and their acting, it’s going great,” said Ms. Ryan.  

 The most rewarding part for Ms. Ryan was seeing everyone come together. Teachers like Ms. Duncan, Miss Giroux, and Miss Wenzel helped support the production of the play. Ms. Duncan also helped as co-director and used her art skills to bring the show to life. The play also included creative costumes, lighting, sound effects, and a surprise guest, Mr. Thomas, who played the character “Special Guest” and helped turn the washing machine into a time machine. During the rehearsals, the students in the play had no idea who the surprise guest was, so it was very nice to see excitement of all the students when Mr. Thomas was a part of the play.  

A Wash in Time is more than just a funny play about time travel. It reminds the audience to enjoy the present and not rush to grow up too fast.