Lynchburg City Schools (LCS) elementary schoolers experienced the story of “Charlotte’s Web” like never before, thanks to a special initiative by Heritage High School Pioneer Theatre. In March of 2026, Heritage High School Pioneer Theatre students provided copies of the novel by E.B. White to all 600 LCS second graders. Second-grade classes read the book together. In April, Pioneer Theatre brought the heartwarming classic to life on the stage.
Heritage High treated all LCS second graders and all Heritage Elementary School students to special matinee performances of “Charlotte’s Web.” Elementary schoolers enjoyed the show, tested their reading comprehension with themed trivia games, and interacted with the cast and crew.
This opportunity was made possible by the LCS Education Foundation, which funds out-of-the-box instructional experiences for LCS students through its Classroom Innovation Grant program.
“This cross-curricular educational experience combines literacy with the arts,” said Pioneer Theatre Technical Director Taylor Wisskirchen, who spearheaded this initiative. “My vision was to create an interactive way for students to experience storytelling through multiple mediums.”
The live performance of “Charlotte’s Web” was a formative experience for LCS elementary schoolers, many of whom will attend Heritage High when they get older.
The show introduced elementary schoolers to the performing arts programs available to them in the future. LCS middle and high schools boast high-quality theatre programs.
“I was always a shy, quiet kid. When I started doing theater, I found a group of people who made me feel like I was at home—free to be myself,” said Heritage High twelfth grader Paige Neylon. “It’s great that we had a chance to give kids some exposure to theatre at an early age.”
Even if they don’t explore theatre, experiences like these instill a lifelong appreciation for the arts in students. Before the show, Wisskirchen, an alumna of LCS and Pioneer Theatre, shared how her experiences in school shaped her personally and professionally.
“Some of my earliest formative experiences emerged through stories my teachers read and brought to life in the classroom. These experiences extended far beyond teaching reading; they cultivated empathy, imagination, and a lasting appreciation for storytelling,” Wisskirchen said. “As a student of Pioneer Theatre, I had the incredible opportunity to learn from Mr. L. ‘Biff’ Hart, who taught me that theatre is so much more than what happens onstage. It’s about connection. It’s about courage, collaboration, and community—and passing those things on to the next group of storytellers.”
Experiencing the story of “Charlotte’s Web” both through the written word and live theatre deepened students’ connection to the text.
“I really do love reading. It’s just so fun when I read. It’s like I’m in my own imagination,” said Sheffield Elementary School student Raven Walker. “(The performance) was great. I loved that you could feel what was happening because it’s actually in action.”
R. S. Payne Elementary School teacher Aaliyah Osborne said her class felt a sense of pride after completing the 22-chapter novel together.
“It was really fun for them to read the book. They were very engaged and learned a lot through the experience,” Osborne said. “Seeing the show come to life onstage added another layer of depth to the experience. They loved coming here and seeing the school they might attend someday.”
Experience “Charlotte’s Web”
Come experience Pioneer Theatre’s rendition of “Charlotte’s Web” for yourself! Showtimes are Friday, April 24, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, April 25, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at LynchburgTickets.com or at the door for $10.
LCS students and staff can get 50% off tickets. Staff must present their LCS ID at the door to claim their discount.
