Students Acting to Make a Difference

“NHS theater is a passionate, supportive, talented environment,” says Lily Katz, president of Students Acting to Make a Difference (SAMD). “It is a place where students are both accepted for who they are and able to grow as performers and people.”

SAMD has been around since 2007, when it produced its first show, Grease. SAMD uses theater as not only a creative outlet, but also a way to gather support and raise funds for charitable causes. The student-led company produces an annual fall musical, with all proceeds going to a charity of their choice. This year's production, Legally Blonde, raised over $8,500 for the nonprofit organization Circle of Hope. Additionally, the members of the SAMD board created and donated “Dignity Bags,” which contain hygiene products and necessities for homeless people living around the Boston area. Circle of Hope is a local nonprofit protecting the health and dignity of children and adults experiencing homelessness, aligning perfectly with SAMD’s community-centered values. Along with donating an overflowing amount to help support the community, SAMD seems to bring the Needham community together through art and service. Katz noted that “bringing art that is moving and uplifting to the community is essential” and “inspires the younger generations of theater kids to explore their talents.” SAMD also plays a significant role in fostering inclusivity, encouraging students from all backgrounds and experiences to get involved. Katz observed the impressive social diversity of participants in the 2024 musical, compared to her own first experience in 2021. Students with years of theater experience are performing alongside complete newcomers— a pairing that, according to Katz, makes the final production and whole community completely unique, bringing everyone much closer together. However, even despite the vast pool of talent, some students still seem to “pigeonhole themselves” as non-dancers, even when surrounded by incredibly gifted dancers and student choreographers. She hopes that the winter musical Mamma Mia will inspire the extremely talented cast to take their dancing skills to the next level and tackle some more complex choreography. As for students considering getting involved in the production, she encourages them to audition or get involved with tech later on, as it is never too late to join theater at the high school. When asked which actors she would enjoy having in the musical, she mentioned Jeremy Jordan, Reneé Rapp, and Jonathan Groff, noting that “all three of them seem kind, funny, and passionate, so they’d fit in well with the NHS theater department.” Ultimately, SAMD offers a creative outlet and meaningful way to give back to the community, all within an environment that values both inclusivity and personal growth.

To find out more about Students Acting to Make a Difference or auditioning for the winter musical, Mamma Mia, join the Google Classroom (d5uk6pf) or email Lily Katz at lak251@students.needham.k12.ma.us.