TIME IN THE

TIME IN THE LIMELIGHT

HIGH SCHOOL THEATER PROGRAMS IMPART VALUABLE LESSONS By Dylan Roche

During most hours of the day, drama students live the lives of ordinary teenagers. But for a few hours after school when they’re in rehearsal, they might suddenly become pirates, gangsters, historical figures, mothers, fathers, witches, or any other colorful character living a life much different from their own. Don’t let the escapism fool you—for these teens, what they learn in rehearsal is very relevant and applicable to the real world. “It builds confidence, character, friendships and helps those students who may be lost find their place,” says Lauren Schene, director of theater at Archbishop Spalding High School. “It’s more than an extracurricular activity,” she says, “It’s a place to call home.” Most theater programs at public and independent high schools put on at least one full-scale production a year, sometimes as many as three or four. The educators who head up these programs concur that these productions take a lot of work, but they offer valuable lessons for the teenagers. “I think that students learn a great deal from doing theatre, essential skills like time management and quick thinking,” says Ron Giddings, drama director at Severn School. “They learn to be empathetic and how to literally put themselves into someone else’s shoes. These are all life skills that will serve them in whatever pursuit they choose.” At any given school, a theatrical production will provide opportunities for dozens of students both onstage and behind the scenes, bringing together actors, singers, dancers, musicians, designers, technicians and other talented artists. “Between tech, actors and pit performers, our current production has over 100 students involved,” says Kevin Reagan, drama director at Kent Island High School, which is currently working on a production of The Wizard of Oz. “For the musical, we audition in November, begin rehearsing in December, and our productions go up the first and second weekends in March.” With rehearsal schedules that sometimes go for six, eight or even 10 weeks, many theater programs are faced with the challenge of working around the dizzying schedules of so

many busy students. That means it’s important to make efficient use of time in rehearsal, and encouraging students to work on their homework during their downtime. “With a cast of 33, not everyone is going to be in every scene, so what do I do with them when we are not working their scene?” says Kristen Bishoff, director of Chesapeake High School’s theater company, which is currently working on High School Musical. “My rehearsals are mapped out where everyone is doing something. Some are with music, choreography, scene work, costumes, hair and makeup. Students struggle with using any downtime to complete homework. They spend up to 12 to 15 hours a week at rehearsal, so they need to balance rehearsal with school.” During a typical rehearsal, students might spend several hours working on scenes, songs or dance numbers, but they are also required to put in extra effort at home to reinforce everything they learned that day and be prepared the next time they run it in rehearsal. After working on different parts of the production in pieces, they will start doing run-throughs of the show several weeks before opening. Then they spend the week leading up to the performances in tech rehearsals, adding elements like sets, costumes, lights and sound effects. At some schools, such as Chesapeake, these production elements are put together by hard working parent volunteers. “Some of my volunteers do not have any children in the production but continue to help out because they love working with the students,” says Bishoff. At other schools, such as Severn, everything is handled by students. “We have students who build the set, design and implement makeup, design, program and run lights and sound,” Giddings says. “They can do whatever they are willing. It’s great to

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

Be sure to support your local theater students and check out a production by one of the schools mentioned in this article.

Kent Island High School presents The Wizard of Oz • March 6 and 7 at 7 p.m. • March 8 at 2 p.m. • March 13 and 14 at 7 p.m. • March 15 at 2 p.m.

Archbishop Spalding High School presents The Little Mermaid • March 13 and 14 at 7 p.m.

• March 15 at 2 p.m. • March 20 and 21 at 7 p.m.

Severna Park High School presents Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival • March 19, 20 and 21 at 7 p.m. • March 26, 27 and 28 at 7 p.m. • March 22 at 3 p.m

Chesapeake High School presents High School Musical • March 6 and 7 at 7 p.m. • March 8 at 2 p.m. • March 13 and 14 at 7 p.m.

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have them involved in that way and take ownership, because that’s more learning to be done.” Those involved with theater, both educators and students, agree that putting together a production is a combination of working hard, learning new things and having fun along the way. Angelica Brooks, drama club director at Bowie High School, says, “Students learn to work as a team, develop leadership skills, exhibit hard work and motivation, and in the end they are very proud of their work and grateful for the experience and the friends they have made in the process.” Maybe it’s because they love it so much, or maybe they’re used to keeping busy, but the theater students don’t seem fazed by how much work theater requires. “It’s really all about scheduling efficiently,” explains Emily Allgair, a Severna Park High School student who participates in the theater program and is currently in the cast of Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival, the annual music revue that draws crowds from all over the area. “We are given our rehearsal schedules ahead of time, so it honestly just comes down to checking what I put in my calendar. Most of our rehearsals are around 3 o’clock if not later, so we are still able to stay after school for academic and extracurricular activities.” Angela Germanos, the Severna Park High theater company’s director, acknowledges that Rock ‘n’ Roll has widespread appeal, but she sees students put just as much work into the winter one-act play night and the fall musical. “I’m proud when [students] take initiative to help make the show better and help others succeed,” she says. In many cases, all the hard work culminates in only a weekend of shows, sometimes two. Students and teachers encourage the community to come check out an upcoming performance so they can see all the talent involved firsthand—who knows, they might even see the next new rising star? But whether they plan to pursue theater professionally or not, the young performances perceive theater as something they are proud to be part of and something they’re pleased to share with others. “Overall, theater has taught me incredible discipline that I value in all aspects of my life,” says Zarah Meek from Severn School. “With the whole cast and everyone else involved relying on each person, there is no slacking off at the end of the day. Sports may build teamwork for some, but for me, theater is what has inspired the most ‘united action’ and desire to do my job so I can be there for others.”

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