BONNYVILLE – Bonnyville Centralized High school (BCHS) put on a musical production of ‘Annie,’ marking the Strathcona Performing Arts Centre’s first drama performance to grace the new stage.
Bethany Olson, BCHS English teacher and director of the play, said getting the opportunity to use the bnew theatre was “a dream.”
"We couldn't have asked for a more supportive group than the Clayton Bellamy Association of the Arts, and we are so proud to be the first drama group to perform a production in that space,“ said Olson.
The production took place on May 9 and 10, and Olson said the performances went “splendidly.”
“Despite microphone trouble and some longer set changes in the first performance, our actors and crew really pulled together to put on the best show they could for the 300+ audience members. Our second show on Saturday evening went much smoother, for a 280+ crowd, but both shows really were a triumph for everyone involved,” said Olson.
According to Olson, volunteer sound man Steve Earl was a big source of encouragement for the cast, crew and directors.
"The students really know their lines. You can tell they have been working on this for a long time. It shows in their memorization. They can pick up a line from a missed scene or help another cast member find their cue - that can really make or break a show. They really know their stuff,” said Earl.
Olsen explained that at the end of closing night, the directors gathered everyone together and offered them a chance to speak about their favourite aspect of the musical.
"Many students mention a favourite song or scene, perhaps a mistake that led to laughter on stage during rehearsal or performance. Most students say that their favourite part of the musical is how we all become a little family, closer knit by the end, forming close friendships with people we otherwise wouldn't know very well,” said Olson.
Olson said she could not be more proud of the students for not only their hard work, but for the courage they showed getting up on stage. For some new students, this was their first time reciting lines or singing on stage.
“Many students memorized lines and learned songs and choreography, but more than that, they contributed artistically to sets and props, encouraged each other, [and] quickly stepped in when other actors were absent or experienced difficulty . . . Through anxiety, jitters, bad days, absences, and illness, these students showed tremendous growth as they researched their characters, found costume pieces, and really shined on stage,” said Olson.
Preparations for the musical production began with auditions in September, and students were asked to prepare a short monologue.
“We also like to tell our cast/crew that previous musicals are year-long auditions for the following year. It helps everyone keep the show in perspective and encourages people to work together, despite personal differences or minor inconveniences,” said Olson.
Practices took place during three lunch hours per week as well as a weekly two-hour rehearsal after school. Olson said the students worked hard during the rehearsals to learn their lines and songs, and that many extra volunteer hours helped make the production possible.
“We could not have completed this production without the support of BCHS staff members, our administration, the BCHS Parent Council, as well as countless friends, family, and community members,” said Olson.
