What started as a simple classroom assignment gradually turned into a full musical production.  As part of our 11th grade English literature project, group 2 of class XI A presented a drama adapted from the movie The Little Mermaid, combining acting, singing, and choreography into one performance.  This activity is aimed to help us understand better about storytelling while also building creativity, imagination, and confidence.

Our performance was not just an ordinary drama, it was a musical adaptation from one of the famous Disney movies.  Beyond acting, we incorporated singing and choreography to bring the story to life in a more dynamic and engaging way. Transforming a well-known story into a live drama that pushed us to think creatively and step out of our comfort zones, especially for those who were not used to performing on stage.

The performance took place in a classroom and it was attended by our fellow students. Each class was divided into two groups and we had the chance to watch each other’s performances.  This created a supportive yet exciting atmosphere, as we were not only performers but also an appreciative audience for our friends. The final performance for our group was held on 24 April 2026.

Each group consisted of around 13–14 members, making up about half of the class.  Every member played an important role, from acting and singing, handling costume and make up, designing a poster, producing a trailer, creating music illustrations, to preparing props and organizing scenes.  In my group, I took on the role of being a director in which I helped guide and direct the team throughout the preparation and on the performance, bring ideas together, and ensure that the performance ran smoothly.

The journey toward the final performance was far from easy.  We spent a significant amount of time on scriptwriting, carefully adapting the original story into a version suitable for a small drama.  At the same time, we worked on creating props, organizing costumes, and planning stage movements or blocking.  Some of the props were handmade using simple materials which made the process more creative and resourceful.  Some others were big and heavy duty props which took us a long time to finish.  Since our drama included musical elements, we also had to practice singing and choreography which required extra coordination and effort. 

Rehearsals became a crucial part of our preparation. We practiced repeatedly to refine our acting, synchronize our singing, and perfect our choreography.  In addition, we had to practice on how the lighting turned out, where to put the props, paying attention to important aspects of each scene, and the little details to make the drama alive.  There were moments of difficulty in managing time, aligning everyone’s schedules, and maintaining consistency.  However, these challenges ultimately strengthened our teamwork and commitment.

After weeks of preparation, the day of the performance finally arrived.  Our musical drama ran for approximately 41 minutes.  Seeing everything come together on stage was incredibly rewarding.  The combination of handmade props, coordinated movements, and musical elements brought the story to life in a way that exceeded our expectations. 

“This musical was challenging but it helped us become more confident and work better as a team,” said one of the students who participated in the performance.

Looking back, directing this musical drama was far more than just completing a school assignment.  It was an unforgettable journey which brought our creativity and teamwork to life. Through this experience, we not only deepened our understanding of English literature but also developed valuable skills such as leadership, collaboration, discipline, and perseverance. 

Experiences like this show that learning can go beyond the classroom, becoming both meaningful and inspiring.  It also showed us that with enough effort and cooperation, we are capable of creating something we can truly be proud of.