Foran’s beloved auditorium, home to the music department, has been transformed into the magical Land of Oz. The Drama Club has gathered every day for three-hour practices after school, in preparation for opening weekend.
The famous story of Dorothy Gale and her scrappy group of misfit friends is set to take the stage this weekend, March 6, 7, and 8.
Rose Bruno, a junior set to play the Tin Man, says, “I haven’t been in a lead role yet, so there is definitely pressure in memorizing lines and making sure I can show up and stuff, but it’s not a bad pressure, it’s more exciting.”
A crucial part of the Drama Club is the people you meet along the way or the friendships you strengthen.
Emilia Giannetto, a sophomore and part of the ensemble, states, “Definitely knowing someone in theatre or just making friends as you get there, it’s much easier to be on stage and be less scared because you know someone.”
Drama provides a space for students to socialize with others who have similar interests.
Rehearsals can be challenging, especially as opening night approaches. First-time director and music teacher, Mr. Ian McNulty, has a strategy for breaking up rehearsals with humor and fun.
The most common problem that occurs during rehearsals is late-night practices to perfect scenes. Drama students have to be able to balance these late-night rehearsals with schoolwork as well as other outside commitments.
McNulty states, “For shows, typically, I will handle the directing and the staging…I definitely would love to continue to do this in the future, I think the amount of knowledge I’ve learned in one year of teaching, I think, is going to make next year even better.”
While the actors focus on memorizing their lines and portraying a character for hundreds of students, staff, and parents alike to enjoy, the work of transforming an ordinary stage into a complex set resides within the stage crew. These students are responsible for the organization and smooth sailing of the play during Tech Week and the performances.
To ensure this happens, the work is divided into several categories.
Sadie Grant-Eckhart, a junior and stagecrew member, says, “I would absolutely recommend stage crew to literally any student, it’s so fun, and you get to work with your peers.”
Right before opening weekend, the backstage crew faces a lot of pressure to ensure the props look as accurate as possible, as well as ensuring someone is prepared for angling the lights and preparing the stage when the scene shifts.
“It’s kinda hard to figure out the staging in the beginning, making sure the cues are met, but it gets easier, and you find ways to work together,” Grant-Eckhart elaborates.
Without the crew that works tirelessly behind the scenes, the show wouldn’t be possible.
No role in the drama club is simply “small.” Whether making props or sets, or being a lead or ensemble castmate, everyone plays a role.
Dean of Students, Mr. Justin Zywocinski, says, “Every year I go, and it’s always great to see our students up there on stage; great acting, great singing, it’s a really wonderful event, and I’d recommend everyone to go.”
Tickets for The Wizard of Oz can be purchased here.
