When students at Options High School first stepped into the idea of producing a full musical theater performance, many had never been on stage and some had not even seen a live theater production. But with the support of a grant from the Bellingham Public Schools Foundation and a unique partnership with Bellingham TheatreWorks, they brought to life the musical Working—a story about everyday people and the dignity of their labor. In many ways, it mirrored the story behind the scenes: students taking a risk, showing up, and discovering what they’re capable of.
“It was really cool having Bellingham TheatreWorks come in and mentor us,” one student said. “They taught us strategies for memorizing lines and just how to say our lines. It was really nice having professionals come in to help.”
This wasn’t just a school play. It was a full-scale production, with lights, soundboards, costumes, choreography, and complex staging, executed in just six weeks. Students took on every role, from lead actor to light technician, learning from theater professionals who volunteered their time to coach and mentor them. “We had more people backstage than on stage,” said teacher Leslie Adamson. “They learned how to program the light board, call the show, organize costumes. Things that aren’t even typical in most high school productions.”
The challenges were real. Rehearsals ran long—often until the building closed—and many students juggled jobs, classes, or transportation issues just to make it there. “Some nights we didn’t get home until midnight,” Adamson recalled. “Transportation is a huge barrier for our students. The grant helped pay for the van, gas, and even the custodian, which made it all possible.”
The emotional demands were high, too. One student reflected, “I thought I was going to be okay with the character I was playing, and I turned out to not be. I hated the character more and more every time I played it. But I showed up and did it.” Another added, “I was going through a tough time and just wanted to try something new. I had so much fun, and it really helped me discover my love for drama, which I never knew I had.”
And still, they pulled it off. “We didn’t get to rehearse our duet together until the day before opening night,” said one student, “but we made it work. Some of my best memories are just being at rehearsal, goofing off, and feeling that bond. It helps you feel real in this world.”
That bond was perhaps the most powerful outcome of all. “Our student body doesn’t always feel connected to the community,” Adamson said. “Often, they’re outliers—beautiful, wonderful outliers—but sometimes misunderstood or misrepresented. This was a proud moment. This was our students saying: ‘This is who we are. And we’re proud of it.’”
