LOXLEY, Ala. — Even though budget cuts eliminated the art and music program at Rosinton Elementary School last year, 63 K-6th grade Rosinton students were able to put their talent to good use when they performed the Disney musical “Aladdin” at the Loxley Civic Center on Tuesday.

Jitterbug Theatre Productions, LLC, a Fairhope theatre company founded and run by Erin and Karl Langley, put on the play and spent a month rehearsing one hour a day during school.

The Langley’s, both former elementary school teachers in Baldwin County, started the theatre company six years ago and their mission statement explains they are “an education-based production company focused on incorporating musical and theatrical arts into school curriculum and childhood development programs. Our mission is to utilize the performing arts as an educational tool to increase academic achievement, as well as encourage creativity, character development and intrinsic motivation.”

“Since Rosinton is a Title I school, most of these kids have never seen or been in a musical and don’t get to experience the arts, so we go around to different Title I schools in the area and put on these plays so the kids can get some exposure to musical theatre,” said Langley.

The kids are chosen by the teachers and administration based on behavior and grades and then Langley decides which part is best for them. “We have some really amazing talent with these kids and they are allowed to express their gifts and abilities through these plays.”

Dr. Theresa Harden, Rosinton’s principal, heard about Jitterbug from Susan Runnels, Elsanor Elementary School principal, when they did “101 Dalmatians” there last year and wanted to get Langley to do a play with them this year.

“When the programs were cut, I knew we had to do something. The arts are so important for expressing emotions and creativity. I was able to use some of the Title I money to get Jitterbug to do this. The kids are so excited and they love doing it,” Harden said.

Title I funding comes from government monies issued to local school districts who have at-risk and low-income students ,

“Some of these students exude talent that I, or anyone else, may have never noticed or known about if they had not been in this play,” Harden said.

Costumes and sets were a team effort between Langley and Rosinton students, parents and volunteers. “We had such a great response from the parents, school and community in preparing for this play. They were all so supportive.”

Langley said her next musical is “Cinderella” at Daphne East Elementary and she has worked with Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation in other projects.

In addition to putting on plays at schools, Jitterbug has big productions they put on during the year that have around 185 kids from all over the county participating. Recent plays include “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” and “Mulan Jr.”. These big productions travel all over the Southeast to elementary and intermediate schools performing motivational plays.

Langley has written and produced three original musicals and is currently a composer for EEC International, an educational publishing company that develops English learning tools for foreign students. She has also taught numerous vocal and theater workshops for students. The theatre also gave away a French Woods Scholarship to participate in a three week camp in Hancock, New York recently.

For more information about Jitterbug Theatre, visit their website, jitterbugtheatre.com or call (251) 751-2935.