senior thespians direct original plays
Now it's the actors' turn to be the playwrights.
April 11, 2012
Kayla Schaudt, Staff Writer
Near the end of every school year, senior thespians of Ames High devote themselves to creating and directing a number of One Act plays. They write and direct their own pieces, which are then performed for the school during a weekend as the school year is winding down.
A handful of exquisite plays will be put on this year, including “Skipper and the Feeling of Shame” written and directed by Daniel Heddendorf and “From the Mouth of Babes” directed by Michael Vaclav and Ella Holme and written by Eve Anderson. All three of these seniors have acted in One Acts before, and are considered veteran thespians. Each year, the One Acts have a phenomenal turnout, considering most people like to see how the seniors interpret each play.
“The thespian community really benefits from the opportunity to really ‘strut its stuff,’” Vaclav said. “Seniors can pick shows that show their directing strengths and cast those that can best show off their vision.”
Though the seniors throw themselves into their work and spend many hours practicing to perfect their plays, Heddendorf said “the One Acts have more of a laid-back structure, yet people can still take them seriously and show off their mad acting skills.”
Each senior involved gets a chance to take the creative handle on a project of their choosing, which results in a series of fascinating plays. They may be called the Senior One Acts, but thespians in all grade levels are represented in the plays.
“It gives the younger thespians something to shoot for as well as a way to learn directly from the seasoned veterans that have stuck it out through senior year,” says Vaclav.
The One Acts are totally student-run, so it gives students a chance to completely bring a show together by themselves without the rigid schedules associated with regular school plays.
“Sometimes, we can feel kind of stifled in regular shows,” says Holme. “This gives us a great opportunity to see a side of theatre we haven’t really encountered before.”
There is a diverse array of students involved in the Drama Club and featured in the school plays, but not everyone can have a starring role.
“The One Acts let those who haven’t had their turn in the limelight get their chance. Thespians who feel left out can act on an actual stage with an actual audience with significantly less pressure,” Heddendorf said.
Thespians that have never set foot on stage before finally get their chance to break out and show off all of their talents during the One Acts. Each year, even a few seniors that are acting for the first time find their way into a play.
Perhaps the best part of the One Acts is that its semi-casual layout is enough to encourage a good number of people to involve themselves in the AHS Drama Club.
“I would absolutely encourage others to participate in the future,” says Holme. So what are you waiting for? Head out to the Senior One Acts on Thursday and Friday to view the showcase of Ames High’s talent.
Kayla Schaudt, Staff Writer
Near the end of every school year, senior thespians of Ames High devote themselves to creating and directing a number of One Act plays. They write and direct their own pieces, which are then performed for the school during a weekend as the school year is winding down.
A handful of exquisite plays will be put on this year, including “Skipper and the Feeling of Shame” written and directed by Daniel Heddendorf and “From the Mouth of Babes” directed by Michael Vaclav and Ella Holme and written by Eve Anderson. All three of these seniors have acted in One Acts before, and are considered veteran thespians. Each year, the One Acts have a phenomenal turnout, considering most people like to see how the seniors interpret each play.
“The thespian community really benefits from the opportunity to really ‘strut its stuff,’” Vaclav said. “Seniors can pick shows that show their directing strengths and cast those that can best show off their vision.”
Though the seniors throw themselves into their work and spend many hours practicing to perfect their plays, Heddendorf said “the One Acts have more of a laid-back structure, yet people can still take them seriously and show off their mad acting skills.”
Each senior involved gets a chance to take the creative handle on a project of their choosing, which results in a series of fascinating plays. They may be called the Senior One Acts, but thespians in all grade levels are represented in the plays.
“It gives the younger thespians something to shoot for as well as a way to learn directly from the seasoned veterans that have stuck it out through senior year,” says Vaclav.
The One Acts are totally student-run, so it gives students a chance to completely bring a show together by themselves without the rigid schedules associated with regular school plays.
“Sometimes, we can feel kind of stifled in regular shows,” says Holme. “This gives us a great opportunity to see a side of theatre we haven’t really encountered before.”
There is a diverse array of students involved in the Drama Club and featured in the school plays, but not everyone can have a starring role.
“The One Acts let those who haven’t had their turn in the limelight get their chance. Thespians who feel left out can act on an actual stage with an actual audience with significantly less pressure,” Heddendorf said.
Thespians that have never set foot on stage before finally get their chance to break out and show off all of their talents during the One Acts. Each year, even a few seniors that are acting for the first time find their way into a play.
Perhaps the best part of the One Acts is that its semi-casual layout is enough to encourage a good number of people to involve themselves in the AHS Drama Club.
“I would absolutely encourage others to participate in the future,” says Holme. So what are you waiting for? Head out to the Senior One Acts on Thursday and Friday to view the showcase of Ames High’s talent.