Theater is something that seems to be forgotten about a lot when it comes to news and grants and things etc. The Great Bend theater department is the same way, they have many things that need to be replaced or bought. The stage they perform and practice on feels like it’s going to fall through if you jump on it. The curtains fall almost everyday. We have to use old gross paint brushes and re-use paint. The concern has been expressed to the administration and school board many times but still they do nothing about it. And now it is coming time to put on another play and what does the school do with the money they have? Put in new turf for the football field and a new track. And renovating the boys locker room. Yes, just the boys, not the girls. This money could be going to better things. Like the things that the theater department needs to put on their fall play.
It takes a lot to put on a play. You need the set. The cast. The director. The stage manager. The stage tech. You need a lot of people and they each need to be good at their job. I asked Mrs. Johnson, the director for this show, what she feels is the most important thing is to put on a good show, “Everyone doing what’s asked of them and giving her all and people not judging each other.” The cast has to go through many weeks of preparation. I asked the two leads what they do to prepare themselves. Melania Senior playing Corpse Bride said, “Having to get used to being up there all the time and singing” and if they were excited to be playing a lead role “Yes very much so.” I sadly was unable to interview our other lead Rhys Froshener Sophomore playing Victor.
Costumes are a very important part of the play. We don’t want our actors to be wearing sweats and a hoodie when they are supposed to be wearing a Victorian dress. I asked a couple actors what their costume was and if it was something they were excited to wear. Anna Bitter 11th playing Black Widow, “I am very excited for my costume even though it is just a hand puppet I think it will be fun.”
This play is important to seniors. This might be the last play they perform in. So I asked the seniors a few questions. First, I asked them how many years they had been acting in plays. Matti Stoskopf, playing Victoria, said “Probably ten”. ChrisAngle, playing Barkis, said “six”.Melania, playing Emily/Corpse Bride, “Six not including one acts”. Joshua Sharpe, playing Elder Gutknecht, “Two including this one”. Then I asked them which play was their favorite and they said, “Probably Til Death.” “Til Death but Other than that All Greek to Me” Next, I asked them what their favorite memory has been, “The last show night during senior speeches when everyone’s crying and remembering all the memories.” “When Kennedy would get angry during the one act’s” “When I got carried on the stage”. Finally, I asked them if they had any tips for people that were going to be acting in future plays. “Be prepared to let your guard down and look ridiculous and express yourself” “It is an enjoyable experience, just put your all into it and don’t be embarrassed”
Theater is something that is so important but no one pays attention to it. Theater has become a place where people who don’t feel welcome anywhere or that feel like they don’t fit in go. Theater is a place, a home where people can be whoever they want to be and they won’t be judged for it. Theater is a place where people can express themselves in a beautiful way. Theater kids are a family that is untouchable because no team has the bond that they do. And I feel like that is a problem in this world. People judge what they don’t understand or see. And no one sees the family that theater brings together. If you would enjoy going to the school play the dates and prices are: Nov. 10, 11, & 12, $4 in advance, $6 at the door
