Superintendent of Perry Township Schools
The weather is gradually warming up, and spring is just around the corner. For the past several months our high school students at Perry Meridian and Southport have been working diligently in preparation for their annual spring theatrical productions. The talent of these young ladies and gentlemen is simply amazing
Southport’s students will present the play “Cheaper by the Dozen” at 7 p.m. today, Thursday and Friday. Tickets may be purchased from a cast member, at the main office or at the door.
Barb Whitlock is the guiding light behind these productions. There are approximately 47 students in the cast and crew. In addition, three technical theater classes have been working on the set all semester. Ten parents also volunteer their time preparing food for the cast and crew during rehearsals.
Perry Meridian will stage the musical “Big Fish” at 7 p.m. April 16 and 18 and 2:30 p.m. April 17. Melissa Walsh is serving her third year as the motivating force in the role as director. The performers, crew and orchestra members number more than 100. Four faculty members are working with staging, vocals, set design and the orchestra. There is even a tap sequence, and former student Jordan Clark is providing assistance. Fifteen parents are assisting in designing and building sets.
Rehearsals are held five days per week and many times on weekends as well. Students create a character and make it come alive on stage. Costume design, makeup, hair, lighting, sound, building and, painting sets, advertising, ticketing, programs and house and stage management are all student-led.
The programs’ success all hinges on time. The time invested to take a show into a production is quite extensive. Students usually can’t work as many hours at their after-school job, or they have to split their time with another activity to make a high school production something the community can enjoy.
Students who are selected by audition for the cast are highly dedicated. They realize that it is a significant commitment of time and energy to participate and that it is a privilege to be selected. Technical crew and orchestra members also put in tremendous time and work.
Once they experience the closing scene and the applause from the crowd, they will understand the rewards are well worth the sacrifice.
We hope you will come and enjoy these productions. We think you’ll find them rewarding and entertaining. Activities like these make you proud to live in Perry Township.