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From Class to Center Stage: FWPS Students Bring Social Movements to the Front

From Class to Center Stage: FWPS Students Bring Social Movements to the Front
2026 EPIC theatre Ethnic Studies Monologues at Center Stage Theater

Scholars from FWPS comprehensive high schools converged at the Center Stage Theater to share powerful perspectives, messages, and calls to action through their own student-performed monologues. Students attending the event came as part of a field trip and left with new understanding and insight gained through their peers’ work and openness.

The event marked the culmination of a semester-long assignment for the Ethnic Studies course. Throughout the class, all students created a monologue centered on a social movement studied during the year. Each monologue came about as a result of rigorous, standards-aligned, and thoughtful work. Students researched their topics and demonstrated that research with the finished work being an intentionally written, proofread, and reviewed monologue.

That effort paid off, with classmates voting on who would present their monologue at the event. Then, those selected students worked with professional actors to practice and refine their pieces—a program that FWPS and national theatre troupe EPIC Theatre Ensemble had piloted three years ago—before performing to the entire audience at Center Stage Theater.

2026 EPIC theatre Ethnic Studies Monologues at Center Stage Theater
2026 EPIC theatre Ethnic Studies Monologues at Center Stage Theater

Across nearly 50 student performances, no two monologues were alike. Each one reflected the performer’s unique perspective on their chosen topic. When students stepped onto the stage, they showcased understanding and viewpoints on issues such as racism, women’s rights, and immigration.

FWPS 12th grader Eric described the experience, saying, “It’s very empowering. It’s not easy to come on stage and perform a monologue. So to see people get out of their comfort zone and perform is really beautiful.”

As the students delivered their pieces, the audience was visibly engaged—at times offering vocal affirmations (a murmur of “mmmmmm” frequently heard throughout the theater) to moments and quotes that resonate. Between each set of performances, the lights came up and students discussed what stood out to them, discovering new perspectives from peers seated just beside them.

After FWPS student Khairunesa’s time on stage, she shared thoughts on the whole experience: “The thing I love about these monologues is that you always have something to write about. I was nervous speaking in front of everyone, but what made me feel powerful was knowing I was going to talk about women—that women are powerful and that I will never give up. That motivated me so much.”

2026 EPIC theatre Ethnic Studies Monologues at Center Stage Theater

These are the moments students remember, both on stage and in the audience, and they are exactly what FWPS staff hope to foster when planning events like this. Amanda Christensen, FWPS Secondary Social Studies Facilitator, explained, “These monologues really push scholars to realize that there are so many different points of view on a topic, and everybody has a right to their point of view. Students have to ask themselves, ‘How do I portray this topic in a way that’s going to reach people?’”

It is the goal of FWPS to use strong, standards-aligned learning that actively and creatively engages students. Through this unique event, students across the district were challenged to think deeply and share their voices after focused and intentional research, writing, and performance. Experiences like this helped students build confidence, learn from one another, and take ownership of their education—supporting them in reaching their fullest potential.

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