Thespian or Thescon–being an annual conference for converted Thespian Theatre students, this years conference was unimaginable for Eaglecrest students.
“After closing night we were manifesting that we were going to Thescon, we all had an ideal collectively as a cast that believed that our show deserved Thescon,” said Nico Camacho, Senior.
Performing the leading role, Agnes, Camacho had so much confidence in this years play to be given a higher recognition than most high schools get the opportunity to be given.
Camacho enthusiastically stated, “We knew we had a very special show, there was so much professionalism in making everything come together. Usually there is a lot of disconnect between tech elements and acting skills but this show, it all came together really nicely.”
Learning to cope with the stress of show week and tech week, many actors and backstage participants learn to navigate the obstacles that are placed weeks before the show opens. Especially with a high-stress and anxiety-filled environment, every part has its role.
“There were so many elements that went into this show; it took so much work to get where we wanted to be,” said Evie Foster, Senior. For Foster’s character specifically, she had to study up on fight scenes along with blocking, choreo and reviewing lines. Along with almost every other bigger character, choreography was a big part of She Kills Monsters even though most stage plays aren’t known for their dancing.
There was so much to do to prep for this honor of high school achievement, it’s difficult to wrap your head around what was created weeks before the final debut.
Lights and sound have been just as prestigious as the actors you see on stage.
Props have to be up-to-par before showing to have the least amount of last-minute or on-stage malfunctions.
Advertising and producing the play for it to be known before opening night can be such a challenge, with ushering and promotional items a crucial part for this play to become something to be talked about years after.
In this play in particular, there were so many layers that went into the product.
“She Kills Monsters was more advanced,” said Hudson Hosier, Senior and Stage Manager, “We are doing more projections, and the props crew did phenomenal with their dragon heads, which were a big part in the final scene.”
As Stage Manager, they organized things like ushering, promotions for the show with merch, and decorating the hallway before the show week.
“This year we really went all out, and we did a lot,” said Hosier, “We pushed each other to the limit.”
