A year in review: Sneak peek into 2016-17 performing arts

By Analise Book

Anticipating the end of the year leads to thoughts of what is to come in the 2016-17 school year.

Curtain opens on upcoming theatre season

by Emma Anderson and Jenny North

The sweaty and exhausted actors anxiously await callbacks after a long weekend of audition preparation. Off stage, students nervously anticipate their dance audition. Groups of six walk on stage to perform the routine previously engrained in their minds at the dance workshop three days before. It is time to leave it all on the stage.

This year the stage opens up with two new shows, Moon Over Buffalo and 42nd Street.

‘[Title of Show]’ set to take Studio One stage tonight

By Connor Lopp

The theatre department’s next show is to hit Studio One today, Friday, Jan. 23, with the performance of the show “[Title of Show].”

“It is a musical about people writing a musical about writing a musical. It’s like inception,” said director Robbie Steiner. “It is the product of what they have been writing and it’s showing them writing it.”

Theatre director sets goals for next year

By Isaac Mathewson

As the lights of this year dim down, theatre director Robbie Steiner reflects on his fourth year at FC and his second year as director.

Steiner said that he has improved greatly since last year.

“I have a much better idea how to plan things out than I did last year.”

The one aspect Steiner will miss the most about this year is the departing seniors.

“Many of these seniors have been in this program since my first year here. I’ve seen them grow throughout their years of high school. It will be hard for me to see them go.”

As the year ends, Steiner has begun making plans for next year.

First, he has seen a great increase on people joining the program since last year, especially in his tech class, which only had a mere eight joining this year.

Steiner said that not a whole lot will change in next year’s curriculum, apart from developing practical hands-on experience for techs and giving more emphasis on musical theatre.

There is no news yet on what plays will be performed next year, but Steiner said that there will be many family favorites, which might possibly include Annie.

Steiner has several goals that he wishes to set next year. For one, he hopes to improve himself by balancing his own life with his work on the program.

“This is a really stressful, albeit fun, job. I want to be able to serve this program well while still trying to support my own needs.”

Another goal he wishes to set is to provide more opportunities for actors and techs.

“I want to cultivate student leadership, not just for the seniors, but for lowerclassmen also.”

Although there are many aspects that Steiner will miss about this year, he still has a positive outlook for next year and for the years that will follow.

 

Theatre seniors rise to inspirational finale

By Megan Johnson

Senior year. The finale of a teen’s high school career. Some feel it is the last time they will ever been seen as a teenager and the first time they will be seen as an adult. However, for some teens involved in theatre, their “finale” is very literal.

Theatre seniors experienced such a finale last weekend in “Pride and Prejudice.” Within this show, some of the seniors had major roles. Other cast members like sophomore Ashley Denny said seniors displayed leadership in playing their roles.

“They’re very helpful, dedicated and hard working actors,” she said.

Denny said that senior Savannah Wormley taught her how to work hard during performances, but also enjoy herself.

Wormley shared that theatre has not always been her main priority. However, over the years it has become a major part of her life.

“Theatre is what got me to come out of my shell. I’m not exactly shy, but theatre really takes away inhibitions, you become very outgoing,” said Wormley.

Sophomore Henry Miller said his inspiration comes from not only one actor, but two: seniors Clay Gulley and Collin Jackson.

“They have taught me that theater is tough because you have a lot of competition, but a lot of people want you to succeed,” said Miller.

Jackson explained that theatre has always been a part of his life.

“I feel like it’s just a part of me. I don’t experience what I feel on stage anywhere else. I just can’t not do it,” he said.

Miller shared that he sees both of these actors as very talented and wishes to succeed as they have.

Theatre director Robbie Steiner said Gulley stood out amongst his peers as a true leader.

“He’s the thespian president and a great example of somebody who works very hard. He’s humble, he cares for his peers and makes effort to be a good role model,” said Steiner.

Steiner shared that Gulley has matured since his freshman year and has become a hard-working, poised young man.

Gulley shared that this maturity has mainly blossomed within the past year.

“The fact that I’m almost 18 and about to graduate has really given me perspective on things. To accept that you’re growing up requires some maturity, and I think some of that maturity has transcended into my performances,” said Gulley.

With all four years of experience and growth in theatre, Gulley leaves with high hopes for the up and coming leaders.

“I believe that anyone who is true to their passions, is hardworking and above all, truly respectful of others has the potential to truly be a wonderful leader. Theatre is a fire within the performer and only he can keep it ablaze.”

Additional reporting by Melanie Parrish.