When Excellence Meets Community: Mary Poppins at Dock Mennonite Academy

 

“This was the best high school play I've ever seen. The caliber of acting, choreography, orchestra, costumes, and sets were outstanding.” - Dock community member

All four performances of Mary Poppins SOLD OUT — a powerful testament to what happens when excellence meets community at Dock Mennonite Academy, a leading private Christian school in Montgomery County, PA. For three months, Dock’s high school students poured themselves into rehearsals, choreography, music, set construction, and technical production, creating a musical that reflected both artistic excellence and the strength of a Christ-centered school community. In a school environment where students are known, supported, and encouraged to discover their God-given gifts, the Arts at Dock continue to thrive at an exceptional level.

Check out the musical program to see everyone that was involved.

In his opening remarks, Director Doug Burns shared that students were “painting, sawing, learning new skills, and giving up their Saturdays” to build the set and bring the production to life. He described the process as filled with “so much laughter, joy, and friendship,” a reflection of the collaborative spirit that defines Dock’s theater program. Parent volunteers also played a vital role, modeling the partnership between school and families that is foundational to Dock’s community and faith formation.

Producer Emily Rush noted, “I was so impressed by the consistent positive energy and professionalism the students brought to rehearsals. Our upperclassmen demonstrated strong leadership, stepping up to guide and support the younger students throughout the process.”

For sophomore Haven Burns, participating in her first Dock high school musical, the experience was equally meaningful: “My first Dock musical was such a great experience. I especially appreciated how welcoming and supportive the upperclassmen were — their kindness and encouragement made it easy to feel part of the community.”

Faculty members echoed these observations:
“It was clear the students genuinely loved being on stage — they were having so much fun while performing.”
“Many students went far beyond rehearsal expectations, investing hours in set construction and tear-down in addition to the already demanding practice schedule.”
“They were professional, hardworking, and wonderful to work with.”

From freshmen stepping onto the high school stage for the first time to seniors taking their final bows, the cast and crew embodied the growth-focused culture of Dock’s performing arts program. Senior Zoey Fisher reflected, “I am so proud of everyone in this cast. I’ve built lasting friendships through theater over my four years at Dock.” Junior Neva Peterson added, “It is truly amazing to see this level of talent in our smaller school.”

Learn more about Dock Mennonite Academy’s Arts program.

Behind the curtain, Dock’s student-led tech team ensured the show ran seamlessly. Senior Ben O’Rourke, who has contributed to Dock productions for over six years, shared, “It truly couldn’t happen without all of us working together.” This spirit of collaboration — among students, faculty, parents, and community — reflects Dock’s Anabaptist commitment to shared leadership, humility, and working for the good of the whole.

At Dock Mennonite Academy, the Arts are a priority — not simply as performance, but as formation. Students are challenged to grow creatively, lead confidently, and serve faithfully in a supportive, Christ-centered environment. As a private Christian school serving families in Montgomery County and Bucks County, PA, Dock offers rigorous academics, meaningful extracurricular opportunities, and a vibrant performing arts program — all within a close-knit community where students are truly known and encouraged to live out their faith.

If you are exploring private schools in Southeastern Pennsylvania and are seeking a Christ-centered education that values creativity, leadership, excellence, and spiritual growth, we invite you to learn more about Dock Mennonite Academy. Because when excellence meets community — grounded in faith — something truly special happens.

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