Searcy, AR (LP) — At Searcy High, Theatre students are producing a play that is a fun twist of Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet” the retelling of this classic is called “Save Hamlet”. Save Hamlet is about a few women who dress as men working in secret to prevent Hamlet from going crazy. The Actors and Tech crews are preparing for the upcoming play in several ways. Plays can be chaotic during the days leading up to the productions. Weeks following up the big performance can create tense and stress driven kids.
Brie McNeil who plays as the character Horatia, a character who is disguised as a male part of the crew trying to help Hamlet, says that “I enjoy rehearsals to prepare for her big performance night. I also enjoys the sass of her character.” Rehearsal can really help actors memorize their lines and blocking, which helps the show become alive and run smoothly. Jaliyah, who plays Guildenstern, one of Hamlet’s friends, says that she can see some connections in her character and herself. “A little bit. I can tell he’s scared most of the time, which I’m kind of like that too,” she expressed. It can be useful to find similar characteristics between an actor and their character so actors can play around with the persona further.
Some of the tech crews discussed some things that they created that they are the most proud of. Makeup practices their bases,Set works on the piece needed to be on stage, Costume crew rummage through the costume closet to find all actors a costume. Natalea Bell, who is in the costume crew said “It has to be the crown I’ve made from cardboard and a billion pieces of tape. It took me a good two weeks to make but I am very proud of it, especially since it’s my first time making something like that.” Creativity and patience are skills that many tech crews acquire or use quite often in the duration of preparing for the play. Being patient in the process of creating something for the play is important. She also enjoys bringing character’s roles into life. The theater has many roles and jobs for many individuals with different personalities and interests. Acting is often seen as the main highlight of theatre but the technical crews are also important to bring everything together and to create the magic to life as well. Technical crews specialize in key elements to a performance.
There are many different things that go into a production, not just memorizing lines. Crews and Actors both have many jobs going into the big scheme of things, Friendships and skills are acquired during the months leading up to show day. Crews check off to do items off their list as Actors run through their scenes, line by line. It all pays off when it comes time for an audience to see the ending results. Hearing the audience laughs can be a rewarding experience to many in the production.
