Rehearse, review, refine, and perform.
This month, HSE’s Drama Club members showcased their Spring Musical: Mean Girls. The performance debuted on March 12th and rehearsals began in January. Students were at the school nearly every day for rehearsal. The practices ran from 3-6pm and in the last week, they were working hard until 9pm.
It is not only a group, but it is a team. There is an inherent difference between the two. The students were not just working alongside each other, but they were helping each other grow and develop as talents. It is a community, that becomes family, when students spend a great deal of time working towards something they are passionate about. With nearly 100 cast members and crew, there was an incomprehensible amount of blood, sweat, and tears poured into this.
There was almost an overcast of sadness on closing night. The students, who had been infinitely committed to this project, had to say goodbye. They bowed for the audience but also mourned the end of this era.
It is greatly important to note that students who choose to participate in this Spring commitment, are not only giving time in the building. With 22 numbers, the cast must practice in their own time. There were pathways workshops held, and some groups met up outside of rehearsal hours to develop their skills.
Something particularly interesting about this show, was the incorporation of tap dance. Layla Jensen, a vocalist and actor in the show, had never been taught tap prior to this. The directors truly strived to make this performance special and never doubted the abilities of their cast.
“I was honestly grateful for the opportunity to learn something new, and even though I struggled, I never felt like I couldn’t get it.” Junior cast member, Layla Jensen said. “Everyone was super supportive while I learned, and the rehearsals helped me perfect the tap dance.” Junior cast member, Layla Jensen said.
The hours and practices she attended were not only for herself, but they were for the group. The people that devote a part of their lives to the musical are in it for the betterment of the team. They work with each other, improving each day, getting notes, reviewing, and adjusting.
A lot of the cast were seniors, who have been involved with HSE’s Performing Arts since freshman or sophomore year. Being one of the smaller casts, students were able to develop a strong bond and push each other creatively.
“Getting to be a part of such a talented cast has been so rewarding in the fact that I am able to feed off of their energy to make my individual performance even better.” Senior cast member, Claire Robertson said.
The energy it takes every day becomes worth it; when you have such an empowering group of students and faculty around, to cheer each other on. Mean Girls The Musical was truly a magical student performance. They put everything they had to give into rehearsals; leaving it all on the stage each night and every number.
