Traditionally, members of the SHS Drama Club take their place on stage, helping with costumes, props, or setting. However, there’s one time every year when several members of the Thespian Society get the chance to switch roles with their usual directors, Mr. and Mrs. Lemerande. During this time, students can prove to friends and strangers alike that they are capable of directing a magnificent show.
Last year, senior Ani Koziel co-directed Donut with senior Aisling Sheehan. Donut told the story of a boy who bought the wrong dessert for his girlfriend and paid the price. Like most student-directed plays, this production lasted around 10-15 minutes and ended in non-stop clapping, laughter, and tears.
According to Koziel, part of the challenge of being a director is interpreting the scripts and determining what types of emotions and actions the actors should create. After discussing the play’s meaning, a director must help his or her actors get into character and connect with the audience. Of course, this is easier said than done.
As a director, you also “have to be caring and helping and willing to teach a bunch of ducklings while you’re all working together to cross the street. You’re basically the mother duck,” said senior Sam Gottlich.
As a seasoned member of the Drama Club and Thespian Society, Gottlich has had her fair share of acting and directing experiences. Just last year, Gottlich wrote, co-wrote, and directed Lucy, which told the story of a teenage girl struggling with suicidal thoughts and depression. Not only did this play win the award for “best costumes,” but it also won “most unique performance” and “best play” this past year.
“I was partially terrified to go into writing and directing it. No one expects the girl with the loud laugh and weird clothes to write a horrific play with deep topics,” said Gottlich.
Yet amidst all the enormous responsibilities placed upon directors in student directed plays, there are many benefits to accepting such a powerful position.
“I learned how to entertain an audience and make them feel for a character in just a few minutes,” said senior Chris McDonald. As a member of the drama club since freshman year, McDonald participated in a variety of student directed plays, as both an actor and director. Apart from gaining valuable acting experience in plays like 13 Ways to Screw Up A College Interview and Under the Table, McDonald co-directed Kung Foolery with senior Teddy Ragge last year, leaving him and others with many lasting memories.
“It was a great experience and I can’t wait to do it again this year,” said senior Will Gee, who already has plans for his upcoming play.
For most student directors, seeing their work come alive on stage is the most rewarding part of the process. Being able to watch the play unfold must be such an amazing feeling. And to know that all one’s efforts paid off in the end – now, that’s something.