Final FHS curtain nears for theater seniors

By Marielle Gabrielse

“Commitment” is the best word to describe FHS theater members, people who have devoted a large part of their high school careers to their time in theater.

This year, the program has seven graduating members, and all have contributed greatly to the FHS theater program.

Samantha Paine has been in theater for three years and participated in décor and business, along with working as the prompting coordinator, photo board coordinator, and the children’s theater stage manager. She said that her favorite production was “Rehearsal for Murder.”

“The people were amazing to work with and I just loved the show,” she said.

Samantha said that she has gained many friends and learned a lot from being in theater.

Mark Drake has spent all four years of high school in theater as an actor and construction coordinator, and he has also helped with business. He said that “Stop Thief” was his favorite show.

“The set was awesome, the play was hilarious, and everyone had a great time,” he explained.

He said that his favorite role was as Ben Hubbard in “The Little Foxes” because he was able to use a southern accent.

“Before theater,” he said, “I was very shy, but it finally brought me out of my shell.”

For the past three and a half years, Kristen O’Brien has also been in theater. She has participated in construction, prompting, acting, photo boards, décor, hair and make-up and costuming. She said that her favorite production was “Rehearsal for Murder,” in which she played Sally Bean, “a dumb blonde.” She said that she has gained friends, experience with power tools, organizational skills and leadership skills.

Ashley Christensen is the person behind the scenes who makes the show run. She has been in theater for four years, acting, in décor, in tech, and as stage manager. She said that her theater experience has helped her learn a greater sense of responsibility and commitment. She said that her favorite production was in Children’s theater, where she acted as the Grandmother in “Telling Tales Again Sam.”

Davis Lindsay, another senior member, has been in theater for four years. He has been an actor and co-coordinator of construction. He said that he enjoyed “Dark of the Moon” because of his role as Preacher Haggler,

which he described as “The role of a lifetime.” He said that being in theater has given him many life skills.

“Theater has improved my ability to speak in public, dedication and self-esteem,” he said.

Lizzie Paris is also a senior member who has put her heart into theater, She has been in theater for three years, participating in décor, as a coordinator, photo boards and acting. She said that her favorite production is the upcoming “Rebel Without a Cause,” because of its fast pace, the lighting and stage effects, and costumes. She said that she also enjoys being able to play the role of a teenager. She said that the contest for her favorite role is a tie between Birdie in “The Little Foxes,” and Lady Chiltren in “An Ideal Husband.”

“I’ve gained a lot of confidence,” she replied when asked what she has gained from being in theater. “Being in front of people isn’t so scary anymore.”

Katherine Hanna is in her first year with the theater company. She participated in both children’s theater and on the main stage, in the upcoming spring show. She has also helped with décor. She said that her short time in theater has given her many new friends.

When asked, all the theater members said that they would be in theater again if given the chance.

“I wouldn’t have most of the friends I have now without it,” said Kristen O’Brien, “and the memories from it will be with me forever.”