PHOTO BY BEN MILGRAM
BY ABBI SACHS
Entering the second quarter, one CCHS organization is excited at their prospects, as the Thespians put on a play.
To get in gear, the thespians have begun rehearsals for the first show of the school year, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, written by actor and playwright Steve Martin. The play takes place in Montmartre, Paris in 1904, with the main characters being Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso who meet at a bar called the Lapin Agile, meaning nimble rabbit, where both men have a lengthy debate on the values of genius and talent. The play includes many other secondary characters.
With 2-3 hour long after school rehearsals and four hour long Saturday rehearsals, the students involved in this play are very dedicated and giving their all at every rehearsal that takes place.
‘’I love being a lead, it’s a lot of responsibility, but it’s something i’ve been working towards all four years of high school.’’ Thespians Club President Jacob Rones said. ‘’It’s kind of symbolic for me.’’
The play is under the direction of the theatre and acting teacher, Ms. Shannon Brandt-Asciolla, with assistant director Caleb Polsky, a Junior at Cooper City High.
‘’It’s my first time assistant directing, and it’s a lot of fun.’’ Polsky said. ‘’Ms. Brandt is a great mentor.’’
Ms. Brandt has only been at CCHS for two years, but she has made a positive impact on the school, and her students.
‘’I am loving directing the play so far, because a lot of fresh faces and fresh talent have come out, and it’s nice to see the theatre club grow.’’ Ms. Brandt said. ‘’It gives me a new perspective as a director, and I’m adoring everything that’s happening right now.’’
But of course, the cast and director aren’t the only parts of this play. Crew, too, plays a role. In Thespians Club, there are many different teams in crew. Teams include sound, lights, costumes, props, ushers, hair and makeup, and run crew (aka set crew). To be a part of any team in crew, students must interview with the head of that team. Experience and interest in the area of crew a student wants to apply for is crucially important, especially for an interview.
‘’Anyone on hair and makeup team will tell you the same thing, but experience and some skill in the area of crew you’re interested in is important,’’ hair and makeup team member Ashley Melgar said. ‘’I think it’s important.’’
For many students, this play is an important part of their high school career.
‘’Thespians means the world to me,’’ cast member Cayla Sullivan said. ‘’So many amazing experiences are made through this club and I regret nothing.’’
The excitement levels while rehearsing and preparing for this play are through the roof, and all the Thespians involved in the show can’t wait for opening night on November 8th, and the following show days on November 9th, 10th, and 12th.
