Crowds Go Crazy For Drama's Heroic Endeavors
Heroes and hallucinations brought to life by Pioneer Drama’s latest shows.
By Davis Jones
Heroes and hallucinations brought to life by Pioneer Drama’s latest shows.
By Davis Jones
Students of the advanced drama class have been hard at work creating their elementary school tour show and the fall play for audiences. This year, students are bringing the tales of Greek mythology to life with their tour show, Disney’s “Hercules.”
The show is a tradition of the class that has been around for at least 20 years. It began as a way to teach students to adapt in an unpredictable environment by splitting the class into two casts that go out to elementary schools and perform the show for the children. “Hercules” is showing for free on Dec. 6 in the Performing Arts Center for friends and family of the actors.
The show serves as a great way to spread the joy of theatre while also teaching students, according to Drama Director Ashley Coleman.
“Being able to perform for our local elementary schools is an outreach and a reward. We are able to share our gifts, talents, and love of performing in a way that gives back to other schools. We have never charged for the performances and have maintained strong ties to these schools who expect us back each year,” said Coleman
Leyla Bikul, 11, who plays the muse Calliope, has enjoyed performing for elementary school students and felt that she grew as a performer while touring.
“I love performing for children because as high schoolers, the kids basically see us as celebrities. Their interest in our performances is really motivating to get out of our comfort zones and be a little extra, all for the enjoyment of the kids and betterment of our show,” said Bikul.
In addition to “Hercules,” students have been hard at work creating this year's fall play “Harvey.” The cast is eager for audiences to see all the talent and hard work they’ve put into the show as it’s currently running from Nov. 30 through Dec. 2.
A returning performer from last year's fall play, senior Jake Cordingley, plays the psychiatrist Dr. William Chumley. Cordingley believes the fall play is a great opportunity to show off their talents.
“The fall play has become the most special show for me because it acts as the best means for me to show a talent that I possess,” said Cordingley. “I have never been able to get the opportunity to perform in front of people like this before last year, but now I can.”
Even those behind the scenes, such as stage manager Athena Hionis, 10, are excited to show off all the time and effort she and everyone else put into this production.
“Being behind the scenes of a production this marvelous has given me the amazing opportunity to test my leadership skills. Being chosen to lead a crew in putting together the physical aspect of the show has been an honor,” said Hionis.
Audience members like English teacher Stephanie Harvey (no relation), can expect a performance full of laughter and deep moments about friendship and family as the magical performance of “Harvey” continues showing.
“I love when a story can come to life purely from discussion upon a stage and the chemistry of the various actors working together. I am looking forward to all of the hard work and dedication that has gone into this show,” said Harvey.
The show is a tradition of the class that has been around for at least 20 years. It began as a way to teach students to adapt in an unpredictable environment by splitting the class into two casts that go out to elementary schools and perform the show for the children. “Hercules” is showing for free on Dec. 6 in the Performing Arts Center for friends and family of the actors.
The show serves as a great way to spread the joy of theatre while also teaching students, according to Drama Director Ashley Coleman.
“Being able to perform for our local elementary schools is an outreach and a reward. We are able to share our gifts, talents, and love of performing in a way that gives back to other schools. We have never charged for the performances and have maintained strong ties to these schools who expect us back each year,” said Coleman
Leyla Bikul, 11, who plays the muse Calliope, has enjoyed performing for elementary school students and felt that she grew as a performer while touring.
“I love performing for children because as high schoolers, the kids basically see us as celebrities. Their interest in our performances is really motivating to get out of our comfort zones and be a little extra, all for the enjoyment of the kids and betterment of our show,” said Bikul.
In addition to “Hercules,” students have been hard at work creating this year's fall play “Harvey.” The cast is eager for audiences to see all the talent and hard work they’ve put into the show as it’s currently running from Nov. 30 through Dec. 2.
A returning performer from last year's fall play, senior Jake Cordingley, plays the psychiatrist Dr. William Chumley. Cordingley believes the fall play is a great opportunity to show off their talents.
“The fall play has become the most special show for me because it acts as the best means for me to show a talent that I possess,” said Cordingley. “I have never been able to get the opportunity to perform in front of people like this before last year, but now I can.”
Even those behind the scenes, such as stage manager Athena Hionis, 10, are excited to show off all the time and effort she and everyone else put into this production.
“Being behind the scenes of a production this marvelous has given me the amazing opportunity to test my leadership skills. Being chosen to lead a crew in putting together the physical aspect of the show has been an honor,” said Hionis.
Audience members like English teacher Stephanie Harvey (no relation), can expect a performance full of laughter and deep moments about friendship and family as the magical performance of “Harvey” continues showing.
“I love when a story can come to life purely from discussion upon a stage and the chemistry of the various actors working together. I am looking forward to all of the hard work and dedication that has gone into this show,” said Harvey.