Bridget Flatow, Arts and Tech editor
@bflatowcourant
The drama department premiered this year’s Drama Fest on Friday, February 2nd. The chosen theme, “Camp,” sets the stage for an array of student-written plays.
“This year, we wanted to explore the theme of ‘Camp,’ and this year’s plays truly brought that concept to life,” senior Drew Bench said.
Four plays were chosen for performance: “Survival” by Drew Bench and junior Bennett Gropper, “When Life Gives You Lululemon” by junior Henry Tate and senior Alex McManus, “The Baking Game” by sophomore Maddie Peterson and junior Radea Raleva, and “Panic on the Runway” by freshman Amira Mitchell.
As the selected plays take center stage, students face the challenge of a tight schedule, having just one week to rehearse and prepare for their performances. “I’m mainly worried about learning so many lines in such little time while also having to remember the blocking and staging for them” said senior Kole Bavoso.
“The biggest concern is having enough time to get everything on its feet and ready for the performance, especially when looking at sets, props and costumes,” junior Amanda Alto said.
Despite time constraints, the student-run nature of Drama Fest provides involved students with a valuable learning experience. “To me, Dramafest is more than just a collection of student-written and directed pieces,” Amanda said.” It is an opportunity for both leadership, teamwork and new experiences, especially for those who have never directed or done anything outside of acting before.”
Students had the opportunity to participate in many roles, such as being a director or writer. “Dramafest is so special because of the opportunities it presents to our students since it’s not everyday that we see students directing, let alone their own shows,” said Kole.
Drew Bench wrote and directed his play, Survival, for this year’s dramafest. “Part of directing is being able to relay feedback to people in a clear and succinct way. Even though I do not plan to pursue theater as a career, these communication skills are vital to basically any day job,” Drew said.
Beyond the skills that students gain, Dramafest also fosters a sense of community. “Dramafest is such a great experience to have with all different grade levels in theater,” Kole said. “We all bond so much because we are all working so hard to make the show as great as it can be.”
The event distinguishes itself from the mainstage productions in various ways, including the involvement of a slightly different group of participants. “I am most excited to be working with some of my closest friends as well as forming connections with others that I might not have been as close with if not for Dramafest,” Amanda said.
Dramafest is not just a stage for performances; It is also a platform where students have creative influence, “Dramafest is a really special opportunity because it allows everybody to have a chance on stage during the year,” Kole said. “It is also the only chance students have to influence how the entire production looks from start to finish, so writers really get a chance to shine.”
Dramafest also serves as an opportunity for underclassmen to learn from their upperclassmen peers. “I feel that I have a really important role in showing dedication to the production as a whole. Always giving one hundred percent—whether during rehearsals or practicing offstage— is important because the underclassmen see how crucial it is to constantly be working diligently,” Kole said.
This mentorship continues far after Dramafest is over. “As an upperclassman, I am always available to offer support to our underclassmen, whether that is in Dramafest, other productions, or just in general,” Anna said.
As this year’s seniors perform their last Dramafest, they offer support to next year’s Dramafest participants. “Leave everything on the stage! Dramafest works because actors give it their all and aren’t afraid of everything. The more people do that, the more successful the shows are.” Drew Bench said.
