Theatre 308 Students Take a Step Out of the Spotlight
NEIRAD enilno edition
This May and June, Darien High School’s Theatre 308 will once again be working on a program known as “Student Productions.” This collection of student-directed scenes, one-acts, and dances (commonly referred to as “student pro’s”) will be hosted in the little theater (room F033D) on June 2nd.
Ms. Nancy Herman, English and drama teacher at DHS, as well as acclaimed director of 308, explained the goal of Student Productions. She said that the low-budget event is “designed to give less experienced student actors the opportunity to perform in a low-risk environment and to give students the opportunity to direct, produce, choreograph, and sometimes even write their own material.”
Ms. Herman said that Student Productions began before the current high school was built while the old campus was still in use. Formerly known as “Student-Directed One-Acts,” Student Productions has generally maintained the same basic form throughout the years. However, Ms. Herman did say that it has “evolved” since then; what was once a night of only theatrical scenes from the school’s Drama 3 course (which she said is no longer offered at DHS), is now a more “eclectic and flexible production.” One year a student even presented an “original, student-written and directed short film.”
The title of Student Productions is certainly no misnomer.
Ms. Herman said that her role in terms of student pro’s is merely as a “facilitator and advisor,” taking a step down from her more influential position as director of 308’s grander productions. She still tries to help the students in whatever ways she can “without interfering artistically.” Ms. Herman said this aid might include resolving scheduling or staffing issues, securing the rights to a script, or even attending one of the cast’s rehearsals and offering suggestions, if the director(s) wish for her to do so.
Alice Corrigan, a senior this year who is celebrating her fourth year involved with Student Productions, is one of the student directors this spring. Alice, along with fellow senior Paris LaRock, will be directing a show called “A Matter of Husbands,” a 10 minute show with a cast of 2 girls, by Ferenc Molnar. Originally, Alice was planning to act again in the one-acts this year, however happened upon the comical script and decided to change her plans. “I wanted to give as many people as possible a chance to be involved,” Alice said, on account of the lack of one-acts this year. “I hope to put on a good show that will entertain the audience,” Alice added, “but ultimately my goal is to give my cast a fun experience”. In terms of Student Productions, Alice said that it’s “perfect if you want the experience of participating in a theatrical performance but don't have the time to work on a full production.”
A 308 colleague of Alice’s, junior Abby Leinroth, will also be participating in Student Productions. Last year, Abby acted in a one-act called “Morning Doozy,” written by Danielle Tilford, and directed by Kenny Weiss, who now attends Greensboro College; “It detailed 3 high school girls before a day of school and their lives,” said Abby. This year, she is returning to direct – along with senior Will Doughty – a show that satirizes the advertising business.
Ultimately, student pro’s holds a special place in Theatre 308: “By and large I think Student Productions serve an important function in the theatre arts education of our DHS students,” said Ms. Herman. The opportunity of directing a small show is a luxury that offers vital theatre education, which she stressed students have little opportunity to achieve elsewhere in the district. Ms. Herman said that while the main Theatre 308 productions provide students with a lot of knowledge about theatre arts education, Student Productions “provide a different sort of learning experience for those who get involved, by allowing students to take on positions usually filled by adults and by shifting the emphasis from performance to process. Alice and Abby, along with the rest of the actors and directors, encourage you to come see the performances.
