Herndon High’s ‘Footloose’ Dances Onto the Stage

By Ellyn Wexler, Staff Writer

HHS Footloose cast. Photo courtesy of Scott Pafumi.

Herndon High School’s Theatre Arts Department is cutting loose this spring with its production of “Footloose,“ running May 2, 3, and 4. Under the direction of veteran theatre educator Scott D. Pafumi, the show promises to be an exhilarating mix of music, dance, and teenage rebellion.

Pafumi, who has led Herndon’s theatre program since 2019, is directing “Footloose” for the first time. While he saw a community theatre production years ago, he’s diving headfirst into bringing the Broadway hit to life on the high school stage. “The challenge with ‘Footloose’ is that traditional casting would include half adults and half teens, but in high school, everyone is between 14 and 18,” Pafumi explained. His solution? Creating two distinct performance groups—one representing the adult characters and the other playing the teens—to make the dynamic work.

After an intense audition process that involved monologues, vocal performances, and dance routines, Pafumi and his directing team selected a cast of 40 students from 50 hopefuls. “We were looking for triple threats—performers who can act, sing, and dance—but more importantly, those who have a clear grasp of who they are as performers,” he said.

This year’s five-member team, led by Pafumi, includes music teacher Jane Waldrop as Vocal Director; English teacher with a dance background Erin Grogan, Production Assistant; parent Brandi Weston, Choreographer; and Music Director Jeremy Shoop, who assembled and is rehearsing the live rock band—an exciting element befitting a modern musical.

Beyond the cast, two seniors are taking on key leadership roles: Stage Manager Amelie Aubouin, who serves as Pafumi’s right-hand person from casting to curtain, and Student Director Christa Anderson, who helps oversee the production.

For Aubouin, “Footloose” is more than just another show—it’s the next step in a journey that began four years ago.

"I have been with the HHS Theatre Department since my freshman year when I was Props Master for our production of ‘Mamma Mia!’” she said. "I have done every show since then, slowly building up my roles, and now I’m the top dog! It’s so rewarding to have the opportunity to fulfill this role. I’m right where I’ve always wanted to be!"

Over the years, Aubouin has taken on roles like Props Master, Tech Director, and Assistant Stage Manager, even winning a Cappie Award for her work with the stage crew. Now, as Stage Manager, she’s at the helm of “Footloose,” bringing her experience and passion to the production.

"This job has been a huge learning process," she admitted. "I started my role as Stage Manager this past fall with our production of ‘Macbeth,’ and, in all honesty, I was surprised. I thought I knew what it took and had it all under my belt, but through that production, I realized just how much I still have to learn. This is truly a position that throws new things at you every day."

With “Footloose,” Aubouin is focused on refining her leadership skills, balancing responsibilities, and working closely with both her assistants and the adult team. "I hope to get better at letting myself split up the work, learn that it’s okay to ask for help, be more assertive with my crew and cast, and strengthen my collaboration with my adult team."

And this is just the beginning— Aubouin plans to take a gap year and then possibly attend Penn State to pursue their Stage Management Program.

Anderson, as Student Director, helps bridge the gap between the actors and Pafumi’s vision. “My primary job is to connect the actors to Mr. Pafumi’s vision. I do this through many channels, such as working with performers on script interpretation and doing one-on-one acting coaching,” Anderson explained. “In a show like ‘Footloose,’ which has a romantic plot, I double as an 'intimacy coordinator' and work with these actors to ensure comfort throughout.”

Anderson has been involved in HHS theatre since her freshman year, making ‘Footloose’ her eighth mainstage production. She has performed in five of these productions and contributed to the production team for three. “In the process of creating ‘Footloose,’ I hope to continue learning how to implement my creative vision and lead a group of people to achieve it,” she said.

While Anderson does not plan to major in theatre in college, her future studies in mass communications and public relations will draw upon the skills she has developed in theatre. “The skills I have learned in theatre—from public speaking to microphones and speakers—will directly correlate to my major,” she said. Her leadership in “Footloose” not only enhances the current production, but also prepares her for future endeavors in communication and coordination.

For Pafumi, theatre education is about more than just putting on a show—it’s about growth, teamwork, and self-discovery. “I encourage students to research their characters—understand their backstory, values, and objectives—so they can bring authenticity to the stage,” he said. His approach blends professional-level coaching with a focus on learning and personal development.

With nine of the show’s 20 musical numbers being dance-heavy, the cast is undergoing rigorous choreography rehearsals. “Teens are generally the best dancers,” Pafumi noted, adding that his choreographer has been tailoring movement styles to the strengths of the performers.

Pafumi describes the production timeline as an eight-to-10-week journey, where students refine their craft, take risks, and bond as an ensemble. “The real magic happens in rehearsals,” he said. “Performance is just the party.”

While only a small fraction of students will go on to study theatre professionally, Pafumi emphasizes the confidence, teamwork, and life skills that students gain from participating in the show. “Theatre is about community—it’s bigger than any one individual. It’s about learning to share your gifts and feeling that success and accomplishment together.”