Behind the Curtian

Spotlight overhead, silhouettes in the crowd, and costumed characters quietly repeating lines backstage paints the picture in everyone’s minds when the term theater is heard, but what really goes on behind the curtain? How much work is poured into a single production? What friendships are made? What memories will last a lifetime? The SDHS Drama department is full of talented individuals ready to share their stories of life off stage, and reveal what really goes on in rehearsals.

After a successful production of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime” actors old and new are preparing for their next performance, “Seussical the Musical.” Bringing the magical world of Seuss to life will be a challenge in different ways than before. “For Curious Incident, the rehearsals were much smaller, definitely, and they were a lot more just focused on character development and lines,” says junior Sam Rheuark,  “and for Seussical, there are a lot longer rehearsals focusing on the dances and the songs.” Drama’s first play of the year dealt with a dysfunctional family and the main character’s perception of the world, whereas the musical is light, colorful, and playfully chaotic. 

Actors old and new are working together, from seniors all the way down to kindergarten, the diversity of the cast is abundant. With middle schoolers seizing the spotlight in some of the lead roles, and kindergartners stepping into the spotlight for the first time, the show is full of talented kids ready to shine.  When asked about what the younger actors bring to the sage, Rheuark answers with “It brings a lot of character to the performance and a lot of different perspectives.” 

And with so many kids to handle, it’s up to the high schoolers to set an example. Rheuark explains. “You have to make a connection with those you are acting beside, especially the younger ones who don’t know who you are. We all have to work together and have to make sure the older kids create a safe environment for the younger ones.”

 Sophmore Else Pignotti agrees that it is added work to keep the kids in line but also really fun. “It brings a level of community, a level of friendliness, and although it can take away from singing and acting, the kids are a  great addition to a show,” she explains. 

Apart from busy schedules, the drama department is full of connections that are taken outside of rehearsal. Inside jokes, friendships, and a comfortable place filled with others who share a similar passion for theater create the unique and distinct atmosphere associated with drama. Rheuark describes the atmosphere surrounding shows and rehearsals as “Almost carefree and nonjudgmental.” A person can feel comfortable being themselves without fear of judgment. You can just be yourself and say whatever, and people will enjoy it or agree with you.

Inside jokes are a major player when connecting the cast and crew together. By creating memories and sharing a good laugh strengthens the family-like bond.  “It’s precious because you’re making memories without realizing it and one day you look back and realize how special that moment was,” says Pignotti. She and Rheuark share similar views on the subject. “I know so many inside jokes that happened during Curious Incident, and it’s just really fun ‘cause you have this joke with people you really care about, that’s like family you’ve made and it just brings you all closer,” adds Rheuark. 

That family Rheuark speaks of is one of the reasons why he found new friends at SDHS. Friend groups are formed during rehearsals and free time backstage, which carry on outside of Cloud 9. “My favorite parts are right before a rehearsal or after when you’re hanging out with friends and joking around and it’s just so fun,” Rheuark explains. They feel a stronger bond with the high school cast than with the middles or elementary kids. “I’d say pretty connected to the high school part of the cast because we’ve done a couple of shows together and I feel like they are my genuine friends.”

There are more things than just friendships and good memories that come out of a show. Rheuark explains the newfound freedom that comes with putting on a show. “Just a lot of freedom with who you are, and it’s definitely a place where if you don’t have a friend group and want one, just join drama, and then you’ll find your people and friends you want to hang out with, or just genuinely amazing people.”

Another Sam, Sam Briere a freshman, shares her input on how drama has had an effect on her life. “This community has helped me get a little bit better with my home attitude,” she shares. From making her focus more on the important things in life or school instead of the little and petty issues. “My family has come to notice the changes drama had on me. My cousin even pointed out that this whole drama thing and all this extra work has helped you become more focused on more important things and become a better person.” Seeing the changes that only two shows had an effect on her life, Briere is positive it has affected others just as much as her, if not more.

Briere brings up the community a lot, from having a supportive and understanding group of people to talk or vent about struggles to the absence of toxic or jealous people demanding the spotlight. 

When asked about the heart of drama, all three actors brought up different views on the subject. Rheuark says that it is the people who make the show run smoothly. “The heart of the drama is the actors, the crew members, and the people working on the show who makes it a piece of art,” says Rheuark.

However, Pignotti says it’s the people backstage and in charge of the whole show. “Without the production staff telling us what to do or how to do the choreography, we would just be a bunch of people standing on stage.” Her view on the heart of the drama is more literal. Instead of pumping blood throughout the body, the producers proving instruction and the crew helping with the effects that really bring the show to life.

The third point brought up by Briere is the community. Providing support, helping people become a better version of themselves, and the long-lasting relationships made is what drama is really about to her. “I just like the community side of it. The people there are funny and great to talk to. I surprisingly remember most of the names here, and everyone is nice, and I have a really great relationship with the rest of the cast.”