"I was surprised that [Ms. Lawrence] chose a Shakespearean play. Shakespeare is a challenge to act well, but it's always worth the effort when the play is over," Taylor Strother, junior, said.
After undergoing some drastic changes, the Theatre Dept. remains determined to tackle the challenges ahead of them.
"The students are very eager to act. There's nothing better than a cast of actors who are all into their play," Ms. Kelly Lawrence, speech and theatre teacher, said.
Since Sept. 16, the entire cast has worked on the play off of the mainstage while technicians have been constructing a set. The set is raised about 8 ft. above the stage and extends almost the entire distance of the stage.
"Being in this play doesn't really leave much for a personal life during the week, but that's just one of the consequences of acting," Faythe Fischer, senior said.
The fall production is set for Nov. 9 and 10. On Nov. 9, the show begins at 7 p.m.. The Nov. 10 show will air as a matinee at 2:30 p.m. Ms. Lawrence suggests arriving to the Performing Arts Center (PAC) about 30 minutes early so that audience members can find a good seat towards the front.
Another new change in the Theatre Dept. involves the Theatre Club and how it will be managed now and in the future. The City of Deer Park received the privilege to participate in the International Thespian Society (ITS), a worldwide theatre-based society of actors and actresses.
ITS members can attend the Texas State Thespian Conference held in January 2003 and the International Thespian Conference held in June 2003. At these conferences, students will not only make friends with other theatre students throughout the state and world, but also attend theatre workshops, produce shows, earn college scholarships, receive leadership training, compete in individual events, and attend special shows and theatre tours.
The ITS remains the only organization to honor high school students for outstanding work in theatre. The basis on which ITS assesses students is according to achievements, involvement, and access to quality theatre arts instruction are basic concerns of ITS.
Thespian membership will be granted for the performance of meritorious work in theatre arts that meets the society's general guidelines. Specifically, students become members by earning points for their work in theatre arts. Any student who has participated in at least two productions for a total of 100 hours of work proves eligible for membership in the society.
After Thespians attain membership, to further recognition for their outstanding work in theatre arts, stars are awarded to members for each additional 10 points or 100 hours earned. Students may wear stars on thespian jewelry to indicate their ration in the troupe. Star ratings are designated on the student's membership certificate under 'Thespian Stars Earned."
With all the lessons that have been learned, the Theatre Dept. remains capable to finish a show and walk on stage for another curtain call. Both students and teachers continue to prepare and display theatre productions as long as there is an audience to watch. Besides, as they say in the industry, 'the show must go on.'
Also, I played the role of Borachio in "Much Ado About Nothing" which helped me gather creditable information about the play with ease.