“That Show Changed My Life Forever!”: Quinn and Rock Canyon’s Musical

“That show changed my life forever!”

These are the words of Quinn, a Rock Canyon Elementary student– and newly trained student-actor. After playing Timon in Rock Canyon’s first-ever musical production, The Lion King, Quinn couldn’t help but share his excitement about his experience in the Rock Canyon play with his family– words that his mother, Emily, shared with our music teacher, Megan Christensen. And her email tells the whole story.

Megan Christensen, renowned for her passion and commitment to her students, led the production, which left a lasting impression on the Rock Canyon community. In a heartfelt letter of thanks to Megan, Quinn’s mother, Emily, highlighted the musical’s profound impact on her son. 

“To feel so accepted for loving music… what a powerful gift,” she wrote. “Athletics was everything [at our previous school]. He would never have had an experience like this where we used to live.”

Emily and her family relocated to Rock Canyon for a year due to her husband’s work as a composer. As their year in Utah drew close, Emily and her husband reflected on the more significant changes in their life, wondering what value the move brought to their family. The unexpected impact of the musical on Quinn’s confidence and passion for performance has become one of the reasons they feel their move to Rock Canyon was worthwhile:

Quinn’s experience in The Lion King seems like one of the reasons we need to be here. I love it. He feels more confident. He wants to participate. I have done plays with elementary kids ten times. It is a huge effort. I am so grateful for all you have done. I wish we were going to be here next year, but I am so thankful that we were here for The Lion King! I want you to know that all that work was meaningful for Quinn.

As the curtain falls on last year’s musical, the stage is set for more inspiring performances and educational experiences this year. We remain committed to providing opportunities that uplift and empower our students, making our community a place where young talents can shine on center stage. We borrow one more quote from Emily’s letter which speaks to the value of programs like this, and devoted educators like Megan:

“Theatre builds individuals and communities[…] I am so grateful for all you’ve done.”

Thank you, Megan Christensen, and we look forward to another year with you all, Provo.

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