It's an amazing adventure down a rabbit hole - not only for Alice in Wonderland, but also the students and teachers who brought this popular story to life at Ernest Morrow School in Forest Lawn, Calgary. 

For the first time in more than five years, the junior high school's Grade 8 and 9 students, along with their dedicated teachers, tackled a full-fledged theatre production, complete with an orchestra, stage lighting and costumes.

In preparation for the June 2011 performance, they even received help from professional actors.

Danicia, who played Alice, said "The whole experience has been amazing. We are all a family now as a result. Many people as teens are just beginning to find and understand themselves and figure out what they're going to do with their lives. Acting is a way to express yourself directly or indirectly. 

Another student, Lucia, said that putting on the wacky costume of the Mad Hatter has given her a sense of confidence she didn't have before: "Personally, I didn't even really know I could act before I joined this play. I grew out of my shell and know how to find my voice. Now I want to go into acting professionally." 

The experience was equally rewarding for drama teacher Karylin Smith. "The journey has been challenging, rewarding and exciting, and has brought not only the students, but teachers closer together," she says, explaining the idea for a play was hatched when band, drama and fashion studies teachers decided to give the students something they hadn't experienced before - a full theatre and artistic experience.