“Fiddler on the Roof” with Moody Bible Institute!

This winter, Chicago Hope Academy hosted “Fiddler on the Roof” in partnership with Moody Bible Institute.

For one week, Hope’s chapel was transformed into a small Russian village from the early 1900s. The musical, coordinated by professors from Moody’s Music and Arts department, included 11 Hope students in the ensemble and 7 working on the Tech Crew. One staff member also performed as the Rabbi. The students worked incredibly hard for two months to memorize lines, learn choreography, paint sets, and more. For many, it was their first acting or crew experience. Here is what some of the students had to say about their participation:

“Performing in Fiddler on the Roof was completely new but exciting. Everyone was really nice and the experience grew my love for acting. My favorite part was learning the choreography to all of the songs. It was hours of hard work but a lot of fun!” – Alaina, freshman (ensemble)

“My experience was very much an answer to prayer. I love acting and performing but I transferred in this year knowing Hope didn’t have a theater program. I later found out there would be a musical, and I was so excited! One thing I learned is how important every part of the cast and crew is – we truly couldn’t have put on the play without any of them.” – Keziah, junior (fourth daughter and ensemble)

“Being in Fiddler on the Roof was something amazing that I’ll never forget. My favorite part was getting to connect with everyone from Hope better, as well as forming relationships with the Moody students. My experience taught me how to work with the rest of the cast to tell a story to an audience.” – Gabe, sophomore (ensemble)

“Behind the scenes, you had to be quiet but on top of everything. We’d get every prop ready for all the actors before they came onstage. I learned to be sturdy and vigilant and fast.” – Alyssa, freshman (tech crew)

“Backstage is a great place to be if you’re shy because you still have an important role in making the musical happen but you don’t have to be performing. I’d like to be in the tech crew again!” – Amoria, sophomore (tech crew)