Wilder's Our Town--directed by Mr.
Laidlaw--as the annual school play
during the 2008-2009 year. Many attend
productions, but they rarely consider the
work before the curtain goes up. A lot
happens behind the scenes, and from
my perspective, it is the stuff one doesn't
see that makes all the diff erence.
a cast is set, the memorization begins.
Ideas and visions of character arise. Soon
rehearsals begin in which an actor learns
how the character feels and reacts in
situations. As an actor, I enjoyed taking
on the role of Wally Webb this year.
be covered over a short period of time.
Also, you learn quickly that by being late,
you hold up everyone, which includes
cast, crew, stage managers, assistant
directors, and the director.
costume adjustments from the fi rst outfi t
I was given to wear. Everyone is suited
and put into dress rehearsals. Everyone
is most certainly "off -book" at this time
and is ready to perform as if it were a
real show. This is done many, many times
until complete perfection is achieved.
whole new stage with a set. In this year's
production, a scrim was used. Used as
a screen or backdrop, this theatre prop
is sheet of gauze cloth that appears
opaque until lit from behind. It looked
very beautiful when lights were specifi -
cally positioned to make terrifi c eff ects.
and it is a great way to meet new people.
You meet people across all grades, some
who have been in the play a few years,
and some for whom it is their fi rst time.
This is done through posters, announce-
ments and word of mouth. There is great
attendance and great reviews every year.
ing through them. Cast members have a
mix of nervousness and excitement. But
the moment you walk on stage, it all dis-
appears, and you just go with the fl ow.
You take this time to have fun because
you have worked hard for this moment
all year. In the end, it is well worth the
ride, and you'll remember your exhilarat-
ing moments on stage forever. [m]
be a diffi
pect of our job and have found a peaceful
balance between the two.
we've made in our high school years. It has
helped us to develop both our theatre skills
and matured through the four years at
LPCI and are ready to move on to what-
ever our lives may hold. We now feel we
can rightfully say we have left our mark
on our school!