Photo credit: Gabby Kaplan

Mia Vosicher (’25) walks Hollyn Alpert (’28) through the “Willy Wonka” script. Vosicher originally applied to be a stage manager, but at the last minute, she applied to be assistant director. “Encouraging the middle schoolers to take risks and really go outside of the thoughts of their character choices is what’s going to make the show strong,” Vosicher said.

As the middle school works to create the wackiest and wonkiest production of “Willy Wonka,” assistant director Mia Vosicher (’25) works behind the scenes to bring the musical to life. Vosicher started participating in theater when she was 6 years old at a local theater, where she said she learned to dance and find her voice. Now, as an assistant director for the first time, she said she wants to help younger students find their voices, too.  

Vosicher aids director Samara Kelly in making decisions regarding the musical from casting to choreography. More specifically, Vosicher frequently helps cast members with more difficult instructions relating to the dances and lyrics.

The Oracle sat down with Vosicher to discuss her position as assistant director, her passion for theater and how she plans to bring the musical from page to stage.

Who or what inspired you to become the assistant director?

Mia Vosicher [MV]: Originally, I just applied to be a stage manager because … I didn’t know if I could take on all that responsibility. But then, last minute before I turned in my application, I changed it to I want to be an assistant director or stage manager. Honestly, I think if I hadn’t taken that risk and jumped at the opportunity, then I … wouldn’t have been in this amazing position.

Why did you choose to work with the middle school instead of the upper school?

[MV]: I wanted to be a part of the tech process for anything really. But then, over time, after doing more summer shows with the kids that I help out with at my local theater, I realized how much I liked working with kids who are just starting to figure out what theater is. Everyone in upper school is so amazing and so experienced that I just think, with middle school, it’s more about cracking the shell open and giving kids the opportunity to explore what they have. 

What environment do you try to create when directing?

[MV]: I think, overall, a fun and adventurous environment. There’s that aspect of getting to know the kids personally. Yes, they’re students and theater students, but they’re also my friends, and they’re my Archer sisters, so I just need to make sure that they see me more as a person and a friend than a boss.

How do you plan on bringing the musical to life?

[MV]: We’re in the early stages of rehearsal right now, but we’re trying to mainly just get as wacky and as wonky, no pun intended, as possible. This is a show that’s meant to challenge the middle schoolers, not just with their comedic abilities, but also their overall ability to take risks and expand their horizons in theater. And so, we’re allowing them to take on these larger-than-life roles. You have the bratty kids and the obsessive kids, and they all love candy, and it’s supposed to be a huge, energetic show.