Manchester Valley High School students will perform in four one-act plays at the school Friday and Saturday evening. The plays are directed by seniors.
Teacher and adviser Bobbi Vinson said having students lead their peers teaches patience and respect, in addition to the theatrical skills students have been honing.
“The leaders are learning patience, because they have kids at all levels and all experiences,” Vinson said. “The kids learn respect because they’re working with a peer as their mentor. Overall, it’s a positive experience. We have more kids that apply each year.”
Tickets to the four plays will be available at the door for 7 p.m. shows Friday and Saturday. It costs $10, $8 for students.
More than 80 students contributed to productions of “How To Get Away With A Murder Mystery,” directed by Raymond Gilbert; “The NSA’s Guide to Winning Friends and Influencing People,” directed by Braden Yacovissi; “An Absolutely True Story (As Told by a Bunch of Lying Liars),” directed by Kate Saunders; and a one-act version of “Alice in Wonderland,” directed by Megan Grastorf.
The school’s drama program grew considerably this year, Vinson said, as about 75% of participating students are new. Just two of about 30 students contributing to technical elements are returning from a previous production, she said.
“It’s a definite learning process,” Vinson said, “and a process of remembering that people are learning and having that patience, and the respect to give them that space to learn, because this is supposed to be a learning opportunity for everyone.”
Juniors interested in directing a fall play complete an extensive application, including submitting a budget. Chosen directors hold independent auditions before casting their shows in the fall. Being responsible for every element of a theatrical production exemplifies what it means to be college- and career-ready, Vinson said.
Last school year, senior-directed one-act plays were performed in the spring.
Performances of the one-acts were met with great audience reception when they debuted last weekend, Vinson said.
“We had the best crowd,” she said, “they loved everything. They laughed and they clapped and they got the jokes.”
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