Cast Into The 'Wind'

TAMPA - Establishing a travelling theater group at Tampa Preparatory long had been a dream of teacher Scott Warfel.

"I wanted to give the students an opportunity to experience that it's about more than the show," Warfel said.

He thought the benefits could be twofold: Refine student actors' skills before live audiences in ever-changing venues while bringing live theater (and introducing role models) to students who otherwise might not have such opportunities.

"My kids get the experience of being a part of something that changes lives, and the schools get access to a high-quality production free of charge," Warfel said.

Three years ago, Warfel started a musical theater class at Tampa Preparatory School, 727 W. Cass St. He trimmed a score he wrote for the children's classic "The Wind in the Willows" and worked with students to develop their talents and the program's reputation. The Stage Company at Tampa Prep now numbers 75.

From that company came Out Of The Box, the community outreach program made up of eleven students, some who have been with Warfel since the beginning of their freshman year. Since August 2008 they have taken their show to places such as the Hillsborough County Children's Shelter in Carrollwood and the Metropolitan Ministries Academy. They recently formed a partnership with the Hillsborough County Public Library System to offer the shows in libraries and at YMCA after-school centers.

"You're not watching a group of students perform a show," Warfel said. "You're watching a group of actors perform a show."

The Tampa Prep thespians set up stage wherever there is space; in gymnasiums, aerobics rooms, courtyards and stages. They perform only a few feet from the audience.

"It's a much more intimate feel," said Merrick Williams, 16, who plays Mr. Toad. "There are no lights; no hidden stuff. Just us."

The teens are as much Mr. Badger or Mr. Toad as they are juniors in high school.

"It adds an emotional aspect. We've become extremely attached to these roles," said Michelle Glickman, who plays Mr. Badger. "Seeing Merrick backstage trying to scrub green paint off his face. ... There will never be another Mr. Toad to me."

As Mr. Badger, Glickman narrates the tale of Mr. Toad and the lessons he learns - such as respect for fellow creatures, modesty and a sense of community and fellowship.

"There are kids that don't get the same quality of education we have," Glickman said. "A lot of parents don't have the time to work one-on-one to do reading with their kids. We have our nose buried in a book when we're not in a show."

Often, after shows, children will speak with the Tampa Prep teens and share their desire to become actors, too.

"I started doing theater in middle school and it has made me who I am today," said Glickman, 16. "This is something to show them it's attainable."

By the fall, Warfel said he hopes to offer "James and the Giant Peach" as an option. Mitchell and Grady elementary schools already are scheduled for fall 2009 performances.

"Each new gig is a new opportunity," Williams said. "Every one is different. Every one is always special."