Bringing Storybooks to Life: A Student-Led Journey Into Into the Woods Jr.
This year’s production of Into the Woods Jr. at Concordian International School was more than a school play—it was a fully realized student-led theatre production shaped by creativity, collaboration, and community. With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by James Lapine, Into the Woods Jr. is a beloved work of modern musical theatre, and Concordian’s first-ever MYP musical brought it vividly to life through the lens of storybook-inspired design, envisioned by the students themselves.
At the heart of the project was the Grade 8 Interdisciplinary Unit (IDU)—a collaboration between Design, Art, and Drama that empowered students to lead across all production areas, with additional support from the Music department. The visual concept, bringing storybooks to life, was realized through a set featuring three revolving books that opened into the homes of Cinderella, Jack, and the Baker and his Wife. The forest was built from trees made with the words of the Brothers Grimm tales, and a bookmark-covered wish tree stood back center—an imaginative world designed and built by students.
Students from Grades 6–11 contributed to many aspects of the production—set design, costume construction, prop making, makeup, graphics, and tech support. Most primary leadership roles were held by Grade 8 students, but the production brought together talents from across the middle and high school in a shared creative process.
“Milky White didn’t speak, but trust me—she had opinions.”
- Kao G7, Milky-White
“Even though the granny had a few lines, the impact was still BIG.”
– A-chi G6, Granny
Under the mentorship of core faculty—Ms. Lindsay (Drama), Ms. Charne (Design), Mr. Mark (Music), Ms. Kristen (Art), and Khun Game (Technical Direction)—students were guided in developing both their artistic vision and their leadership. Each of these departments was supported by their departments' wider team of dedicated and creative teachers and assistants, as well as operations staff who contributed their time and expertise throughout the process.
While many elements were supported by faculty and staff, students took ownership wherever possible, learning to collaborate, lead, and deliver a polished production from the wings to the spotlight.
“A director is like a wizard, waving their hand, making magic happen hoping no one notices they’re mostly winging it.”
- M G8, Co-Director
“Stage managers may not be the brightest on stage, but sure are the busiest backstage, reaping the joy of watching everything on cue.”
– Leo G8, Co-Production Stage Manager
Behind the scenes, student directors and stage managers oversaw the entire process with professionalism, while musical and choreography leads shaped the sound and movement of the show. The choreography team developed original staging for both the prologue and finale, and the dramaturgy team not only supported the storytelling process but also proposed The Child’s Dream Foundation as a charity partner, connecting the themes of the show to real-world impact.
“Dance was my way of telling a story, where every step has movement and trust on the casts to bring it to life.”
– Candy G8, Choreographer
“Researching about the show and the charity was interesting, but nothing can beat seeing the show I read about come to life right in front of my eyes.”
–Mungbean G8, Dramaturg
The student art and design team played a pivotal role in bringing the storybook world to life. From conceptual sketches to sewing costumes, crafting props, and painting set pieces, they worked across departments to ensure every visual detail supported the characters and the world of the play.
“A right prop is like a silent actor—not there to fill a space, but tells a story and brings the world to life in its own way.”
- Plearn & Nita G8, Design Leads “The actors are the face of the stage, but light, sound, and steady hands form its unseen spine.”
– Pai G11, Assistant Technical Director
The student cast of Into the Woods Jr. brought well-known fairytale characters to life with energy, emotion, and imagination. Audiences followed the journeys of a Baker and his Wife who wished for a child, a clever Cinderella navigating her choices, a boy named Jack climbing toward responsibility, and a fearless Little Red Riding Hood learning whom to trust.
From magical figures like the Witch and the Mysterious Man to arrogant princes, vengeful grannies, a jealous stepfamily, and even a beloved cow, every performer added their own voice to the story. Students handled challenging songs, fast-paced scenes, and detailed character work with maturity and focus. Their performances made the characters feel not only magical, but unforgettable.
“I never thought I’d be so attached to a school production.”
–Sureen G8, Jack "Playing two roles is pretty interesting, one second you're a wolf out hunting a little girl, and another you're a prince out hunting the love of your life. Sure wasn't easy, but worked out pretty well."
– Bond G8, Wolf and Rapunzel’s Prince
Meanwhile, the publicist and behind the scenes media team documented the rehearsal process, created promotional content, and helped capture and share the journey of the production with the wider school community. The student backstage managers and stage crew ensured every technical and scenic transition ran smoothly—managing props, set pieces, microphone handoffs, and light cues with focus and precision.
“Who knew being in the woods and running around would be so complicated yet rewarding?”
– Pat G8, Music Department, Arts & Design, Backstage Manager, and BTS Media
“Being publicist was such a fun experience, making me realize that drama, action and hard work doesn't happen exclusively on stage but behind the scenes too!”
– Raffi G8, Publicist, Front of the House Manager and BTS Media
The show’s central themes of desire (or wish) and unity were explored not just in the plot, but in the collaborative process behind the scenes. In keeping with these values, the production raised 114,180 Thai Baht in donations for The Child’s Dream Foundation, supporting access to education across Southeast Asia.
"The Into the Woods Jr. production was a place where everyone had passion and perseverance, continuing even when things got hard."
–Prim G8, Narrator
“The best part of directing is watching others bring life to your vision in ways you never expected.”
- Aimee G8, Co-Director
Into the Woods Jr. stands as a remarkable example of what’s possible when students are given the tools, the trust, and the guidance to lead. It wasn’t just a performance—it was a community in motion.
Ms. Lindsay Stewart
