This year’s production of Starmites became far more than a school play, it became a turning point for representation, creativity and community at Topeka High School.
Directed by Artistic Director Amanda Burr, the show followed Eleanor, a shy teen who finds herself pulled into the world of her favorite comic book series. Inside this imagined universe, she learns to trust her inner strength, embrace her hero self and save Innerspace alongside the Starmites and the fierce Banshees.
Behind the fantasy storyline was a real-life mission. Burr and the Diversity Theater program set out to remove longstanding barriers in theater education and bring students from the school’s 116/resource classroom into rehearsals and performances, something the program had never done at this scale before.
“We wanted every student to see themselves in the arts,” Burr said. “Not just in theory, but in practice.”
That mission took root last spring when the program secured a grant allowing teachers to collaborate, plan inclusive lessons and bring in professional guest artists specializing in everything from graphic-novel design to fight choreography and drama therapy.

Among the performers were Mia Cloud, who portrayed Super Wonder Woman of the Banshees, and Mary Alfrey, also a Banshee.
“It feels good,” Cloud said with a bright grin. “My favorite part is fighting.”
Cloud explained that rehearsals often meant practicing sword choreography, one of the most challenging but exciting parts of the show.
Alfrey, who had never been in a school play before, said she felt “good and happy” during the process.
“I made a bunch of new friends,” Alfrey added. Her favorite part was also the action: “I enjoy doing the fighting and the acting.”
Both girls faced hardship along the way. Cloud missed rehearsals due to illness, but said her teachers encouraged her constantly.
“They helped me feel better after being sick,” Cloud said.
Alfrey said Ms. Burr pushed her in ways that helped her grow. “She made me do it again to help me understand what to do,” Alfrey said. “Sometimes it’s not what I wanna do, but it helps.”
The path to opening night was anything but smooth. Burr recalled applying for the project’s grant in March, receiving approval in May, and immediately diving into planning while acknowledging that almost nothing about the semester went according to plan.
“We had busted water pipes in the auditorium, shifting schedules, added events, guest artists’ calendars and so many unknowns,” Burr said. “But the students and staff overcame every single roadblock.”
Rehearsals required extra patience, work and creativity. Some days, lines were forgotten. Other days, choreography seemed too complicated. Still, Burr said the team didn’t let difficulty slow them down. Instead, they turned each setback into a learning moment.
“We talked a lot about moving from the ‘not known place’ to the ‘knowing place,’” Burr said. “The students grew not just in performance skills, but in resilience, inclusiveness, problem-solving, and kindness.”
As rehearsals progressed, teachers and families began to notice changes.
“A lot of the students who once struggled with confidence stood tall onstage, projecting their lines,” Jake Jackson. “Others who found teamwork difficult suddenly volunteered to help classmates with props, makeup, and or costumes.”
By the time opening night arrived, costumes shimmered. Swords clattered as the actors ran through their final cues. When the curtain rose, Cloud, Alfrey and their classmates delivered a performance full of heart, humor and courage. The audience responded with loud applause not just for the show, but for the work and message behind it.
“I felt the audience appreciated the approach we took,” Burr said. “We received so much positive feedback from the school and community. I’m glad the messaging came through.”