We all know that Broadway in the world of the performing arts is equivalent to Beyoncé in the music arena, or perhaps Adam Yunis in the class of 2013. It’s the most boisterous, bold, and debatably best of its division. However, on April 25th at 7:30 p.m., this theatrical aspiration and its actors may be challenged by some of Blake’s finest. Multiple performances of student-directed plays will take place in the black box theater at the Blake upper school.
One example of these plays is a spinoff of the reality TV show, Jersey Shore, written and directed by Aaron Sharper ’15, Isaac Frans ’15, and Sebastian Moller ’15. When asked to describe the play, Kira Leadholm ’15, the solo female of the five actors responds, “if you know Sebastian, Isaac, or Aaron it’s like the epitome of their humor and it’s just got all of these crazy punchlines and crazy characters that make the story insane but at the same time it’s hilarious.“ Sharper adds, “most people would call it a comedy, but you know I like to think of it as a ‘psychological thriller.’” The other handwritten play is a drama by Jonah Sandy ’14. He sums it up as being about “two teenage characters who are spending an evening together and discussing their relationship, what level of intimacy they are both comfortable with, and asking big questions about their lives.”
Sandy explains the student-directed play process. It involves getting “scripts approved by Diane Landis before auditions, and then if there are problems with language or content or length we are able to work with her to make cuts or revisions to the script” he says. Frans clarifies auditions, “So there’s one big audition night and everybody reads for all the plays, and then afterwards the directors have to argue/choose who gets who.” Although there are guidelines and help from the phenomenal theater teacher, Ms. Landis, “it’s really up to the directors and how you want to do it so it’s actually pretty cool” Frans exclaims. The freedom that student directed plays allow is a great opportunity for actors. Frans mentions, “I had five kids come up to me and say ‘awh I mean I want to do it but I’ve never acted before. But hey, just come try out. I mean, it’s like a perfect time to do stuff.”
For the non-thespian types, these short and sweet plays offer great access to free entertainment on a Friday night. Behind the scenes these talented students have been working tremendously hard on their productions. “It will be good to have everybody’s support,” Sharper says of why people should come see his play. Frans brings up a good point, “I don’t think people see enough theater nowadays and you go to see your peers play sports and it’s cool to see friends do stuff and things they work hard on.” You heard the man, travel to the depths of the black box to see Blake’s version of Broadway.