While I try to discourage drama in the hallways and classrooms at NRHEG, it’s quite the opposite when it comes to seeing it on a stage. In fact, I often encourage students who are embroiled in the never-ending drama of being a teenager to consider a tryout for the theater department. After all, all that eye-rolling and hair-tossing could be put to good use in a play!
For many years, our school has had the Prairie Fire Theater Company in to work with our elementary students. They put together and perform a play in one week’s time! It has always been impressive to see the kids learn all those lines and their entrances and exits and everything else involved in a performance in a limited time. Both of our kids were in those plays and thoroughly enjoyed the experiences.
I dabbled in the theater when I was much younger. I had mostly bit parts and also helped with things like the fog machine and trap doors (a lot of fun to work with when you’re putting on The Wizard of Oz!). My freshman year of high school was my last shot at formal theater since sports were eating up much of my time.
We also did Share the Fun in 4-H. When I mention that these days, kids who are currently in 4-H usually look at me in a weird way. Is this not a thing anymore? It used to be that every club in the county put on a skit that they created, revolving around 4-H. I remember my club winning a State Fair trip with “Snow White and the Four 4-Hers.”
Anton also dove headlong into theater his last few years of high school and loved doing one-act play and spring plays. He’s been considering whether or not to try out for some shows at MSU. It’s tough when you’re trying to balance classes with work with being part of the Maverick Machine. It would be fun to see him on a stage again doing something he loves so much.
I’ve had drama on the brain lately. Seeing three different musicals in a month’s time will do that to you! I used to be skeptical of musicals, overall; it stretches the boundaries of my imagination that all these people who just met are suddenly bursting into songs that they all know and can also move in a perfectly-choreographed way on top of it.
But I’ve grown to appreciate a good musical as I am exposed to more of them. When I started at NRHEG, we’d have a musical every other year, and they were always so well done that the meter started to move more toward enjoying those singing productions. We haven’t had one here in some time, and I have hopes that they can return with more students trying choir and recognizing they can be good singers.
Drama is a good thing. There is so much work to put together a well-done production, and it takes a lot of courage to step onto the stage and perform. Every line you need to recite is like serving a volleyball or shooting a free throw; if you mess up, everyone will know. One thing actors learn is to keep moving on, even if you mess up a line or a cue. Get back on track since the show must go on!
Plays are meant to be seen. At various levels in English education, we read plays. High schoolers read some Shakespeare; in middle school, we read The Diary of Anne Frank play. It’s imperative to see it after reading it to get the full scope of what is going on. Since there are not always abundant opportunities to see a live production in the area, teachers are equipped with video versions to show.
If you haven’t been to see a play in a while, start checking out when and where some occur. I got to see Beauty and the Beast when Waseca High School put it on, Anastasia at Minnesota State University - Mankato, and The Lion King at the Orpheum in Minneapolis. Watching high schoolers and college students and professionals each perform a play was wonderful. There are certainly different levels of ability, often based on experience, but each production showed the heart and soul of each performer, which is just wonderful to see.
Do you need more drama in your life? If you enjoy watching movies and television shows, you just might. After all, there is nothing more pure than a performance where you don’t get a second or third take, but have to hit all the right notes and lines every time you step on stage. Many of those actors you enjoy watching got their start in a theater department somewhere. Many of them revisit theater later in their careers. There is just something about a live audience and basking in their reaction. You know when you’ve nailed it!
Check out local high schools and colleges. Look into professional performances. It’s a wonderful chance to have a night out on the town and watch people who really put their all into their efforts. They know they need to get every serve over the net; they know they need to hit every free throw. And they rarely miss!
Word of the Week: This week’s word is maculate, which means to stain or blemish, as in, “The actors on stage would not let a screaming baby maculate their show.” Impress your friends and confuse your enemies!