When selecting productions for the season at West Shore Community College’s (WSCC) Center Stage Theater, the college intentionally seeks opportunities to connect students with the performing arts. This year, that commitment expanded to include local high school students through a special performance of The Crucible.
In past seasons, WSCC has partnered with local elementary schools for student matinees of productions such as Peter and the Starcatcher and Charlotte’s Web, introducing younger audiences to the magic of live theater. In 2026, the focus turned to high school students.
Michelle Kiessel, WSCC director of theater, noted “I was inspired by memories of reading The Crucible as a sophomore in high school, and so we explored the possibility of offering 10th graders a live theatrical experience to complement their classroom studies. After learning that the play remains a cornerstone of many high school English curriculums, I reached out to Kat Moore, English teacher at Mason County Central High School, and JP Deines, English teacher at Ludington High School. Both educators enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to provide their students with an in-person performance while they were concurrently reading the literature in class.”
On Friday, Feb. 27, sophomore English classes from Mason County Central High School and Ludington High School came to WSCC’s Center Stage Theater for an exclusive daytime performance of The Crucible. The event was designed specifically for these students, creating a focused and immersive environment. The experience offered students an opportunity to see the themes, characters, and tension of Arthur Miller’s classic work come to life on stage, deepening their understanding of the text through live performance.
“WSCC is proud to support arts education in the community and remains committed to building partnerships with local schools to inspire appreciation of the arts,” said Crystal Young, executive director of college relations.
The Crucible will show this Friday and Saturday, Mar. 6 and 7, at 7:30 p.m., as well as Sunday Mar. 8 at 2:00. For tickets and more, visit westshore.edu/performingarts.