CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The Scholastic Team for Arts and Greater Enrichment (STAGE) is an arts program in Boone County. STAGE puts on musicals for the area schools and community.

The program was founded in 1998 and originally directed by Mary Carden. Superintendent Gary Sumpter received a grant to purchase most of the technical equipment for the shows.

Middle and high school students from all around Boone County are eligible to participate in STAGE. After auditions and rehearsals, there are public performances of the show. In the past, it was stationed at the Madison Civic Center, but this year, it has a new home.

"We will be performing in a brand new space at Southern West Virginia Community College. The board has provided our county with a performance area -- with curtains even!" said musical director Robin Bunch Bailey, who has helped STAGE in many ways during the years. She thanked Boone County Superintendent John Hudson, Assistant Superintendent Lisa Beck and Board of Education President Mark Sumpter for their support.

This year, the play also has traveling productions, performing at Van Junior/Senior High School, Sherman Junior and Senior High, Madison Middle School and Scott High School. Students in seventh through 10th grade and some AP classes saw the spring show, "Disney's Aladdin Jr."

Approximately 25 cast and crew worked on the show. Principal players spent between 50 and 70 hours on the production, while the chorus and crew put in 30 to 50 hours.

There are many great reasons for students to participate in STAGE, whether as cast or crew. Not only do they make friends from around the county, but they also learn a lot about a live theatre production.