- Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Independent School District
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Three individuals with ties to EMS participate in Mary Poppins
Marla Schulz, a 2011 graduate of Boswell High School, is directing and choreographing the Broadway version of Mary Poppins. Schulz attended EMS ISD from kindergarten through graduation. She began her education at Eagle Mountain Elementary, followed by Wayside Middle School, and then Boswell High School. While a student at Boswell, Schulz participated in Thespian Troupe 316, was an active member of Boswell’s theater community, and took part in as many productions as she could, both on and off stage. She says that her four years at Boswell were key moments of discovery and training under the direction of Mrs. Wallis and that she still uses the principles and exercises she learned in her teaching and directing today. She considers it an honor to have had such amazing opportunities within the school district that allowed her to truly pursue the life she dreamed of. Schulz is working towards an MFA in dance and choreography for musical theater after earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Southern Illinois University. She is delighted to return to her home town area to be at the helm of such an iconic musical and would love to share her experiences and growth with everyone through the Mary Poppins musical.
Rita Nsumbu, a 2008 graduate of Saginaw High School plays the role of Mrs. Banks for the Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday night productions. Nsumbu began her EMS ISD education at Gilliland Elementary, followed by Highland Middle School, before moving on to Saginaw High School. While at Highland, she was in choir with Mrs. Babcock, and that is when she began to take her vocal training seriously. During her years at Saginaw High School, she was in Show Choir, was VP and Editor of the Key Club, and was Captain of the Style and Grace step team for three years. She also played Blanche Dubois in the SHS production of “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Nsumbu went on to earn a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in music from Hardin-Simmons University and gives credit for her excellent vocal training to SHS choir director, Mrs. Sanders (Ms. Stevens at the time) along with her college voice professors and coaches.
EMS community member, Jane Lyon, is also a member of the cast. She plays the role of the Banks family’s housekeeper, Mrs. Brill, for the Monday and Friday night and Saturday matinee productions. Lyon’s four children all attended EMS ISD schools from kindergarten through graduation. Throughout her years in the community, Lyons has served as the PTA president for Elkins and High Country Elementary schools, as well as president of the EMS Council of PTAs and the Saginaw Band Boosters. She also teaches pre-school music enrichment at many of the child care centers and pre-schools in our area, including the EMS ISD Hafley Development Center.
We are #emsproud to be represented by such amazing talent from the EMS community!
For Mary Poppins tickets and show information please visit: http://www.artisanct.com, or call: (817) 284-1200. The show runs from June 16-July 22.