ELHS Drama Club’s production of “The Wizard of Oz” wrapped up March 15 with students yearning for more experience and exposure to the theatrical arts, but with their two-show season being over, the arts community fizzled out quickly. However, the club’s director, Sara Kelly, knew this would happen and did not stand idly by.
Beginning March 26 with an intensive acting workshop, students were exposed to a wide variety of theatrical techniques, such as the famed acting method of Stanislavski, “What’s your purpose in this scene?”
teaches during rehearsal (Molly Cooper)
Students, in a truly intense afternoon of theater, even had the opportunity to rehearse their own scene and, depending on their role, act, direct, or stage manage it; for many, this was their very first time in a position of this sort, and it allowed those who will be directing the short plays a valuable, if brief, insight into what was to come.
But, it’s important to note that theater isn’t just the show that the audience sees on the stage. With so many different aspects going on behind-the-scenes and in the wings, a workshop focusing on the technicalities of a show was vital.
The March 31 tech workshop focused on how sound and lights are what brings a show together and to its feet.
“Tech is the cornerstone of every good movie, show, or play. There would be no content of any kind if there was no tech. Actors need to be lit, they need a believable setting to work from, and they need to be heard. Tech workers are the unsung heroes of every single production and deserve way more credit for their work,” Ms. Kelly explained.
The voice and directing workshops followed, giving upperclassmen the opportunity to direct their own one-act plays.
“For a while now I have wanted to direct a play of some sorts. Out of the four years I’ve been here, I haven’t really had an opportunity like this, so when Sara mentioned directing to me, I jumped at the opportunity,” senior Madi Miller said.
With three other students expressing similar interests to Miller’s, plays were selected and auditions followed suit.
With just a mere two weeks to put the shows together, final performances will be on May 15 and 16, showing the results of Kelly’s workshops.
Check out the photo gallery to see all stills from the workshop!
script during rehearsal, preparing for
her performance (Molly Cooper)
