![Benjamin Williams and Reese Sherman, social studies teachers, explain department information a guest. "This [open house] was, for me, a great opportunity to meet family in the district that will soon be attending the high school," Williams said.](https://www.utimesonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/DSC_9117-1200x800.jpg)
As set crew began placing extra chairs in the back of the auditorium to accommodate the 140 people attending, the excitement and nervousness started to build. After a few words from Mrs. Goodbrake, director, the lights dimmed and the show began.
“Before the play everyone was nervous, some staring into space, some hugging each other, some joking around,” said Raven Bullard, sophomore. Bullard, who acted in both plays this year, enjoyed the characters she had a chance to transform into.
“I always love becoming another person.” said Bullard. “This play I was a teacher and a crazy cheerleader. To play the different roles I have to channel different personalities that are always inside of me.”
Similar to last year, this year there were two mini plays: “Hex Marks the Spot” and “Screenagers.”
“‘Hex Marks the Spot’ was about a girl named Jean who can grant wishes but it’s through dark magic,” said Maurice House, senior, who acted in both plays. “’Screenagers’ was about a variety of teens addicted to technology. Other than some volume problems, the plays were a success.”
“Hex Marks the Spot” was performed by the Drama Club while “Screenagers” was performed by Goodbrake’s theater class.
With a few setbacks, including the villain in “Hex Marks the Spot” moving to another school and a suspension two days before opening night, it was a scramble for some to learn extra lines to cover the actors. Justice Brent, freshman, stepped up to the challenge by playing four roles on account of the missing actors.
“I rehearsed a lot,” said Brent. “I think it turned out well on both nights.”
With no previous acting experience, Brent had to adapt to the many roles.
“I played a grandma in ‘Screenagers’ and so I had to get my mindset into an older person and I had to change my voice,” she said.
Goodbrake was especially impressed with Brent, as she is a young actor.
“Justice had a lot of demands,” said Goodbrake. “She really rose to the occasion; she had two parts memorized in two weeks.”
Even with the roadblocks, Goodbrake was pleased with the performance.
“I’m very proud of my actors,” said Goodbrake. “I’m very happy with the outcome.”
