Wednesday (6-8)

Circus Performing Arts invites 4th–8th graders to step into the world of acrobatics, juggling, and balancing acts in a fun and supportive after‑school class. Students will start with partner acrobatics inspired by acro‑yoga, learning strength, flexibility, and teamwork through exciting, beginner‑friendly skills. Along the way, we’ll explore juggling and other circus tricks, building confidence and coordination. Throughout the semester, guest performers may join us to share their own unique circus specialties!

Grades 4 - 8

Minimum 6 students 

Maximum 15 students

Jesse Uguccini - juguccini@mandeljds.org

Do you love to act, sing, and dance? Then join us for the Middle School production this fall! Fresh from a revival on Broadway, we can’t wait to bring the whimsical comedy, “Once Upon a Mattress” (Youth Edition) to life on our own Mandel JDS stage. An imaginative re-telling of “The Princess and the Pea”, this musical will give our performers an opportunity to create a whole kingdom full of larger than life characters! We’re excited to work hard, meet new friends, and perform for family and friends on November 19. 

This year, we’ll be starting with a workshop session where everyone will learn about the plot and characters. We’ll also teach a few musical selections and some choreography as well. We’ll follow up with auditions at the next meeting. Everyone who auditions will be cast and all levels of theatrical experience are welcome! 

Full production calendar available the first week of school. 

Performance Date: November 19, 2025

Rehearsals: Wednesdays 3:45-6pm (Due to various holidays, there will be weeks where rehearsal is moved to Thursday to accommodate Wednesdays off school. There are also a few Sunday rehearsals.) 

Fee: $250 

(Show t-shirt included!) 

Questions, please email aperusek@mandeljds.org

Are you ready to create some theatre magic? Join the Middle School Tech and Stage Crew! This group, led by Bobby Vaughn, will work together to help create and run the Middle School show using sound, microphones, lighting, and props. No previous experience is necessary, students will become experts in no time! 

Tech and Stage Crew will run concurrently with show rehearsals, but will not be called for every rehearsal. There will be approximately 10 Tech and Stage Crew meetings throughout the production process. A detailed schedule will be available the first week of school. 

Performance Date: November 19, 2025

Fee: $125 (show t-shirt included) 

Meetings: Wednesdays 3:45-6pm

Students will work in teams to conduct research and carry out problem solving to tackle modern issues through the lens of an assigned nation. Delegates will have the opportunity to publicly present their work and engage in debate at the Ohio Leadership Institute’s Jr. Ohio Model United Nations Conference in Columbus, Ohio at the end of April (exact date TBD). The cost of the trip is not included.

*Additional cost for attending the end of year trip

Grades 6 - 8 

Ben Stallsmith - bstallsmith@mandeljds.org