Before audiences see the lights, the costumes, and the choreography, there’s a story behind the curtain. This year’s senior theatre students at the Baltimore School for the Arts (BSA) are bringing The Prom to life.

This show follows a group of well-meaning but but self-involved Broadway actors who travel to small town Indiana to support a teenager banned from bringing her girlfriend to the school prom. Filled with humor, big musical numbers, and a beautiful uplifting message about acceptance, this production pushes the seniors creatively, emotionally, and physically, as they prepare for one of their final performances together. 

For the senior actors, The Prom has become more than a performance: it’s a shared journey. Every dancer, singer, and actor has brought their own strengths and struggles to the stage, creating a production that reflects the heart of the senior cast. 

Putting on a production of this scale doesn’t just demand energy during rehearsal, it often shapes the rhythm of students’ daily lives far beyond the stage. Balancing schoolwork, extracurriculars, and personal time becomes a challenge as the show grows closer. Senior actor Kaylin Ali shared, “The rehearsal process is exciting and fun, but it’s very rigorous… You’re using all of your time in the building and then you go home, and then you don’t have any time to do your homework.” 

As opening night approached, the chaos hit hard. Senior Julia Tollini explained, “What’s so unique about this show is the amount of physical and mental effort you have to put into it… we all give our 110 percent every single day,” adding that it’s especially stressful during college applications and even forced her to cut her work shifts because she was tired after rehearsals. 

For many cast members, The Prom carries a message that goes behind performing in the black box. It demonstrates themes of identity, acceptance, and standing up for what’s right. For senior actor Leo Pevsner, the deeper meaning of The Prom stands out the most: “It’s a story that’s real and it’s a story that’s current. It really matters… you really need to pay attention to the morals.”

While Pevsner reflected on the importance of the story itself, other cast members have found the greatest impact in the bonds formed along the way. Senior actor October Redman thinks that the heart of The Prom lies in the senior acting ensemble’s bond. 

Throughout the rehearsal process, Redman has found comfort and strength in the unity that has grown with the cast. Even during long days and stressful moments, the ensemble has supported one another in ways that made the show feel like a shared journey rather than an individual experience. 

“We work so well together. We trust each other so much that we tell each other everything,” said Redman.

This show is a celebration of growth, creativity, and connection. The Prom will run from November 13 to 22 in the Tupac Amaru Shakur Black Box Theatre at BSA. Tickets are $20 and available online.

To contact this writer, email Muse Newspaper at musebsa@bsfa.org.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misspelled Julia Tollini’s name.