On Saturday, April 26, the Woodhaven Theatre Company welcomed approximately 80 elementary students from across the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District to Woodhaven High School for Drama Llama Day - a full day of hands-on workshops and live performances designed to introduce young learners to the world of theatre.
Participants rotated through interactive sessions including Musical Theatre Dance, Scenic Design, Mask Making, Stage Lighting, Shadow Puppetry, Theatre Games, and Stage Combat. The event was led by WHS senior Samantha Syverson and supported by a team of 55 high school theatre students, who facilitated each activity and guided students throughout the day.
For Samantha, who has been involved in the event for several years, Drama Llama Day holds a special place. “It always proves to be such an incredible experience,” she said. “Being able to enlighten children with the knowledge of a safe, comfortable, fun, and accepting environment when they reach high school is so important to me.”
Freshman Cameron Abel echoed that sentiment, reflecting on how rewarding it was to help create that same spark of excitement in the next generation. “I had so much fun seeing the future of theatre. Teaching the kids and seeing the excitement on their faces brought me back to when I did Drama Llama Day.”
Junior Tate Lertkasem added that being part of the Drama Llama team felt “so special because of the smile I was able to put on children’s faces.” He explained, “Introducing them to the world of theatre and showing them the part of my world that makes me happy - and seeing them enjoy it too - gives me hope that future generations will carry on the love for theatre.”
Drama Llama Day has become a signature event for the Woodhaven Theatre Company - an inspiring opportunity for high school students to lead and elementary students to imagine what’s possible on stage and behind the scenes.
About the Woodhaven Theatre Company
The Woodhaven Theatre Company is dedicated to providing students and the broader Woodhaven-Brownstown community with a rich, educational theatre experience. Through ambitious productions, diverse programming, and year-round learning opportunities, WTC has earned its place among Michigan’s top secondary theatre programs. The company is proud to be the reigning MIFA High School Theatre State Champion for 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025.