Three months. That was the amount of time until the winter musical would debut on stage. A ticking timer counted down as the cast list was announced and hung in the hallway for all to see. Unlike previous years, more than 60 actors were cast for the show, set to debut over the course of three nights. For seniors Logan Kasper and Lulu Warren, Aledo Players’ president and vice president, a massive challenge lay ahead.

“They’re student choreographers, so the fact that they’re not professionals we brought in makes me so much more involved in the process,” senior lead Mason Steele said. “I was really proud of them for that. They did a fantastic job.”

For most high school productions, the choreography is often entrusted to seasoned coaches. However, this year the choreography was entirely student-led. Warren served as the head choreographer, with Kasper as her assistant. Together, they coordinated complex routines for iconic numbers like “Grease is the Word” and “Beauty School Dropout,” ensuring the moves matched the 1950s charm of the beloved musical.

“Teamwork and cooperation require spending time together at rehearsals,” said theatre director Reed Chapell. “Being positive, or starting out with group songs—I think it just comes naturally and gives them experience in a space that allows them to do that for you.”

Creating dance moves and sequences for each cast member appears challenging, but Kasper notes the difficulty of teaching others with a variety of  skill levels, and learning how to adapt to ensure the best result.

“There will always be people with differing levels of dance experience,” Kasper said. “This leads us to having to adapt sometimes and tone down a dance in order to meet the ability of the group.”

Despite the initial challenges, Warren and Kasper also had to balance their respective roles as Rizzo and Roger. For Warren, the experience was a wish come true.

“This is my dream role, the one that I’ve always wanted to play,” Warren said. “She’s very tough, but also has been through a lot and has a lot of emotions. I’m really good at doing multiple things at once, so I feel like this is why being the choreographer is a good thing for me.”

Grease debuted to a nearly full house during its run from Jan. 17 to Jan. 19. The show’s success wasn’t just about perfecting the moves—it was about creating a space where students could showcase their talents. Theatre director Reed Chappel praised Warren and Kasper for their ability to streamline the process.

“The more you do stuff, the quicker you pick up on how to do it and simplify things,” Chappel said. “The kids are insanely talented. They fit very well.”