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Hard work puts Springstead in spotlight
By LOGAN NEILL For the most part, things seemed to be going as smoothly as anyone could expect at this stage. In the final read-though of the third act of what eventually will become Springstead High School's fall production of Arsenic and Old Lace, the actors seemed content with their rehearsal. The next hurdle will come during a week's worth of "off book" rehearsals, the first opportunity for the entire cast to present their lines strictly from memory. And though it's still three weeks to opening night, the relief to get one of the least-liked chores of a theatrical production out of the way seemed immense. "On book runs are always so long and drawn out because you're having to stop and start all the time," senior Gerald Ziccardy said. "But there's no other choice. You have to learn to take the worst part in order to appreciate the best part." For the the 26 cast and crew members, the best part will come Nov. 14 when the curtain opens for a two-night performance. For the students, the nearly nine weeks of rehearsing daily, building props, painting scenery and sewing costumes is more than worth the effort once the audience begins to file in. "It's what a lot of us have been living for," said senior Matt Kraus, who landed the lead role of Mortimer. "When you get the opportunity to put a part of yourself out there for people to enjoy and hopefully appreciate, it's an unbelieveable feeling. You forget about all the stuff that wasn't fun and just love being out there." Those sentiments are echoed by many involved in Springstead High's drama program. Over the years, the school has been recognized as having one of the leading theater departments in the state, and it has a distinguished record for involving students in quality productions designed to enrich and enhance their theater skills. Arsenic and Old Lace is a good example of that effort. Its intensely written characters and dark comedic dialogue offer a challenge for young actors, what Springstead High drama teacher Chris Fickley calls the "high art" of stage production. "It requires quite a bit more depth than what most high school theater demands," said Fickley, who is directing the play. "It was something I thought the kids would enjoy because it's literate and historical. They like it because the characters are meaningful and fun to explore." The cast began working on the play in September, first in the classroom and later on the auditorium stage. Among their first tasks was learn blocking instructions, which designates the proper directions and movements of characters during scenes. Gradually, as the actors began to get familiar with the 92-page script, some began exploring ways to enhance their character's portrayal. Ziccardy, who plays a demented man who is convinced that he is Theodore Roosevelt, spent hours watching old film and newsreel clips, trying to emulate Roosevelt's mannerisms and speech in hopes of making his portrayal more convincing. Some cast members watched the 1944 film starring Cary Grant, but others decided that the more unique aspects of their characters would come from within themselves. "The real fun of acting is when you finally get comfortable with your character that it just feels natural," said Andrea McCabe, who plays Aunt Abbey. "I practice my lines every chance I get, looking for different ways of expressing the right feeling and emotion because that's important to how the audiences sees your character." Fickley is an ardent believer in such methods: "It's important to give them structured freedom because the heart of playing a character is making it your own. You still have to do it within the framework of the written script, but there's still room for them to make the role personal to them." Fickley knows well that the daily demands placed on his students don't necessarily make drama easy. Many hold jobs and are involved in other school activities, making daily rehearsals a strain on their time. Still, their sense of commitment to the productions constantly amazes him. "Drama doesn't always offer the type of rewards that other activities do," Fickley said. "In sports, you get a weekly affirmation because you play a game or run a race. In drama, you put nine weeks of hard work into a weekend's worth of performances and then it's over. A lot of them miss it terribly when it's gone." But for senior Ashley Melanson, the end result is well worth the sacrifices required. "Being involved in drama allows you to measure yourself," she said. "It teaches you respect, patience and discipline -- the things you know will help you get through life."
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From today's Hernando Times Letters |
