by Renee Winterstetter
The players in the audience and sensing the support of the audience seems to be the lifeblood of the actor. But, behind the surface glow, lies the true face: happiness, the brilliant light of art, and the heart-the-life-char-acters, there are actors and actresses working to work, to learn, and make the people laugh. This is the main idea behind the drama department’s next play—Love is Contagious.
The play is set in Greenwich Village, in an artist’s studio. Because the art world leads to live-in arrangements, wild scenes, and interesting problems, the show is bright, dramatic with a touch of full force.
Light comedy and the “model Gone Mad” seem to appear. “The woman who is searching for Mr. Right meets the man who’s waiting for Miss Wrong.”
The cast includes Mary Atkins; Miss Lerner — Jo Wilson; Gary Hetharn — Buck Singer; Harry Turner — Michael Merle Mauldin; Mitch Lamarr — Lisa Crutchfield; Georgia Rutledge — Diane Coats, and Kitty Glange — Madelyn Aumiller.
Rehearsing three hours a day, five days a week, these performers strive to hit the perfect school skits, with the guidance of Cash, who puts himself in the audience position to see the play the way the viewers will see it.
“One of the main things we are practicing is movement. The newcomer often doesn’t know how to move,” said Cash. “They are often afraid to shift in movement or their own. Real movement is where the character comes from.”
“Most of the drama series shows the dramatist are going through a first stage system. The first phase is blocking, which is when we set up the character and movement to the vocal. Step two is the memorization. The student is helping with objective concentration.”
Step four is the addition of technical theater: sound, the makeup, lights, and costumes. Reaching this final stage should take approximately six weeks.
But, this hard work pays off. “I’ve learned to use power and talk to people,” said Roni Gardner. “We learn about ourselves by being able to act for others.”
“It’s a lot of work, but very educational,” commented Lisa McCloskey. “We learn everything from acting to carpentry to sweeping the floor and cleaning the dressing rooms.”
Something new is being tried for this play—having actors take on technical roles. Ginger Smith, as the assistant director, is in charge of publicity and putting the program together. Stage manager Cindy Coon is in charge of supervising set building and getting materials.
Lisa Lindsey is the one chosen to build the sets. She has had experience in building sets for Picnic, Sleeping Beauty, and Sandbox to name a few. “Details must be right,” explained Lindsey. “We must know what the lights will do. In other words, it’s good to go through the techniques to get the best.”
All of this preparation should culminate to make Love is Contagious a success. Three performances will be given the first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in December.
Admission is $2.00, and all proceeds go to the scholarship fund.
So, through rehearsal and hard work, the cast will eventually reach their night on stage, with all the expected glory present. “Everything is coming together,” related Cash, “There’s no profanity, but a lot of fun.”