Did you know that Knoch High School has a Drama Club? Not many people do.
“I didn’t even know we were having a play!” said sophomore Zack Weiland.
The club hasn’t held regular meetings in years, and it only has a few members. But one thing that the club does do every year is the student-led spring play, a very quickly put-together show, with only one or two performances.
“I like drama club!” said junior Tayden Harrold, “[I like] helping out with whatever I can!”
This year’s spring play is a ‘charming’ fairy tale mash-up, entitled Chasing Charming. It follows the Narrator as she tells the story of six princesses (and a Goldilocks!) who must rescue Prince Chuck Charming, who has been captured by the evil witch, Hagragard. Chaos and comedy ensue as our heroines travel through stories and have run-ins with classic fairy tale characters in their quest to save the day.
The show’s main character, the Narrator, is being played by sophomore Grace Beikert. Playing opposite is sophomore Phoebe Barnett, who is the villain of the show, the evil witch Hagragard. Beikert’s Narrator must lead the princesses through their quest, keeping them in line and the story on the tracks, as Barnett’s Hagragard does her best to thwart their plans and marry the captive Prince Charming, played by sophomore Jack Reckard.
The students of the drama club have put in a lot of work for this show. As a student-led production, they don’t have any adults holding a position. Everyone from the prop manager to the director are students. This arrangement puts a lot on their shoulders!
“Everyone is putting in so much energy,” said Phoebe Barnett, “so I’m really excited to see the show come together.” All of that hard work and energy pays off in the end, when the curtain goes up and the drama club gets to show what they can do.
It’s not all work, though. The students are having a lot of fun with it, too! Not a day goes by when rehearsal isn’t filled with a plethora of jokes and laughter.
Senior Emme Mrozek said “I love it so much! It is so funny, and I have such a good time with it.” This sentiment is shared by most, if not all, of the cast and crew.
Barnett said, “The concept of Chasing Charming is definitely one of my favorite concepts for a play!” The energy in rehearsals is always through the roof!
The play is being directed by senior Harrisyn Schilpp, of theater department fame. Schilpp has participated in many Knoch shows, but this is his first time directing one. Schilpp was unavailable for comments, but this is probably because he was just so busy making this show the best it can be!
Schilpp is being assisted in the stage crew department by the producer, junior Tayden Harrold, and the stage manager, freshman Zoey Snyder. This is Harrold’s second Knoch production, and Snyder’s third.
“I think that we can all pull off a great show!” said Harrold.
Schilpp is also being assisted by the drama club advisor, Ms. Lisa Casey. Ms Casey is a special education aide at the high school. She has a long history in the theater world, but Chasing Charming is her first show with the drama club.
“I am constantly impressed by the amount of talent,” said Ms Casey, “I hope students come out for an evening of entertainment and laughter!” Thanks, Ms. Casey!
If you want to be a part of this fun-filled group, consider joining the drama club next fall. If acting and set painting isn’t your thing, please support the drama club program and come see the show on May 16-17 at 7 pm in the High School Auditorium. Tickets cost $5, and can be bought at the doors on the night of the show. I hope to see you in the audience!!!!!!
