Every theater production has its own story: one that is told on stage, and one found within the long tedious rehearsals, set builds, and the minutes leading up to opening night. For the Lamar Texans Theater Company, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee was a story of firsts, challenges, and the ability for the love of theater to blossom. At the center of it all was Ms. Paige Popovec, an adored teacher by many, who took the role of director for the first time, and whose passion turned this production into something unforgettable.

Ms. Popovec, also known affectionately as “Ms. Pop” by her students, stepped into the director’s chair with a strong vision for this show; not just for the aspiration of a great production—although that sure did happen—but for an experience that would bring the company together. “This was the first time I was the full-on head director of a show at Lamar,” Ms. Popovec reflected. “And it just happened to be one of my favorite experiences as a director ever.” From the very first rehearsal, she created an environment where creativity, collaboration, and trust became the foundation of the production.

“I just feel like we were able to reach a point where rehearsals were fun, which is something that I have always wanted to accomplish and something I knew would be difficult due to the lengthy times we were on stage,” Ms. Popovec shared. When the rest of the cast was asked this question, they all collectively agreed that rehearsals were something they began to look forward to. “I loved the community that was built, from Ms. Pop’s kitty Saturdays, when she would bring her cat to rehearsal, to Rhyan Breaker bringing the cast coffee and chocolates occasionally—it really was a party every day!” said assistant stage manager, Sophia Icsezen. “I genuinely believe that rehearsals started becoming the best part of my day.” For actors like sophomore Cooper Gorell and junior Elena Chicas, that positive energy translated directly to their overall experience. Gorell, who played Leaf Coneybear, found himself falling in love with his character’s quirky spirit. Through improvisation, trial and error, along with Ms. Popovec’s constant encouragement, Gorell was able to bring Leaf to life in a way that he was proud of. “I didn’t really know how to approach my character at first,” he recalled.

“However, I kept getting different outlooks on my character through Ms. Pop’s directing and visions. She continuously helped me develop my character and created an ‘awesometastic’ show. Chicas, on the other hand, who played Rona Lisa Peretti, stepping onto the stage as a bold and confident character came with its own set of challenges. “I am someone that does not like spelling bees so it was really hard for me to find the same excitement that Rona Lisa Peretti had,” she reflected.

But with encouragement from Ms. Popovec and her fellow castmates, Chicas found her own way into her character and created an experience that will also be in her heart. When looking back she shares, “I loved this character so much, and I think she will always continue to stay with me.” “Rona’s favorite moment of the bee” was how the show’s atmosphere made a difference. “Because it was such a small cast, I felt like I was able to connect with everyone so easily,” she shared. “We laughed a lot during rehearsals, especially when we were supposed to be serious.” That trust extended beyond the actors, too.

For senior stage managers Kerah Roque and Icsezen, Spelling Bee was a masterclass in organization and quick thinking. Icsezen, who’s usually performing under the spotlight, took her first dive into stage management. Alongside Roque, she learned to juggle cues, microphones, set changes, and the inevitable backstage chaos—all while keeping the show running smoothly. “We had to be on top of everything,” Icsezen said. “There’s this whole other world happening behind the curtain that no one in the audience sees, and we had to learn how to navigate that. It was stressful, but also so rewarding.”

It’s true that the Lamar Texans Theatre Company has always been about more than just putting on performances. As seen in past performances like Little Women and Mamma Mia, this company is a place where students find their people and where backstage becomes like a second home. With Ms. Pop leading the way, that sense of community was stronger than ever, creating an unforgettable production. As the curtain closed on the final performance, there was no doubt that Spelling Bee had been something special, not only because of what the audience saw, but because of what the company had built together.

And for Ms. Pop, it was a first experience that couldn’t have been more fulfilling. Theater isn’t just about what happens on opening night, when the lights pour onto your face—it’s about the people who pour their hearts into it and the heartfelt memories made in the process. If The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee proved anything, it’s that the Lamar Texans Theatre Company isn’t just a program, it’s a “pandemonium.”