Supporting CAST Grant Brings Fort Worth Opera to Campus

It was a quack-tastic time for Lower School students on September 30 as Fort Worth Opera brought The Ugly Duckling to life on campus thanks to a Supporting CAST grant. 

The performance gave students a chance to interact with the characters, test their “quacking” skills, and practice their listening skills. From watching the cow and the Big Bad Wolf to the ducklings, students were smiling ear to ear throughout the performance.

The Ugly Duckling is a whimsical retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved fairy tale, with an original score by composer Andrew Duncan. The production lets students experience the thrill of opera at their own school through a story that encourages young people to accept others’ differences.

“In this tale, the Ugly Duckling doesn’t fit in with the other ducklings because she looks and sounds different from them. After discovering the Big Bad Wolf’s tricks and saving the other ducklings from danger, the Ugly Duckling teaches those around her an important lesson about kindness, courage, and appreciating others for who they are,” said Fort Worth Opera representatives. 

“We were so excited to host the Fort Worth Opera this week in Lower School,” said Lower School Music Teacher Karla Dunning. “With help from a grant by Supporting CAST, all Lower School students had the chance to experience a live opera, up close and personal. This original version of The Ugly Duckling was so fun, and students loved it!” 

Supporting CAST—Creative Arts Students and Teachers—funds visual and performing arts programs at Fort Worth Country Day that otherwise would not be supported. These experiences enhance students’ artistic visions, open their minds to the arts world beyond FWCD, and engage them in hands-on work with dynamic professionals. For more information about Supporting CAST or to join our CAST of characters, visit fwcd.org/cast.