In the Lee High School theater department many people might think that they are something they are not, which is common in high schools and other places, but truth be told they are truly hard working and very dedicated to what they do.
For example, if you want to be cast in a play or do technical work (lights, sounds, props costumes, and so on) then you must turn in a packet that your parents and you signed, you have your schedule on, and your last quarter grades. By turning in the packet and trying out or asking to do technical work means that you are totally serious about being part of the production. It also means that you will attend everything that you need to, and do everything thing that you need to do before it's due or on time. So how is this very different from any of your other classes?
Another part of theater is that it can take much more social grace than some classes. In theater, you must work with people all the time. There is no working alone. In the plays, you're working with a cast, the backstage crew, the directors and the assistant director(s), makeup crew, sound crew, and light crew. Being in a show teaches you to respect people and listen to them, not do what they tell you to all the time because it could be really dumb, but listen to them.
Being in a play also means that you spend your time, and tons of it, at school working at rehearsals. Sometimes rehearsals run till 10, other times they end at 6 on the dot. Now you might ask what the heck you do from 3 to 10, right? Well, the time at rehearsals is well spent. You might walk in on people dancing on stage, someone throwing a plate of pasta across the stage (see the "Odd Couple") or you might see everyone holding still so that lights can be focused and microphones can be placed. For the first part of rehearsals you do a read through and then get off book (memorize your lines so you don't need to look at the script). Next you do blocking, which takes time, energy, and loads of effort, as most drama activities do. Blocking is learning where to stand on the stage, and how to get there, and who is around you, stuff like that. Next you add your lines and the blocking together to make the rough draft of the play. From then on out you perfect your movements, cues, interaction with others, and most of all your teamwork with the other members.
It's not just rehearsals that take up your time. If you are in the cast, you should think about your character's past life, what they want to be and who they are now and how they work with other people. That means if you are playing a character who doesn't live in the present day you should look up past events, events that are happening when your character is in the play and what happened before your character was born. Yes, it's history homework. Also, making up a family, friends, and others they might know and interact with, if your character doesn't have them in the play. This helps you truly "be in the character" because you have studied their life and you know it like you know your wardrobe (you don't really look at the back of your hand that much).
One thing about drama is that some people might see us as slackers — not true! When you are in a play you are expected to keep your grades up. In fact, it's a great time to raise your grades because you will most probably be working with upperclassmen that could help you out with homework or projects. During rehearsals you do have down time, very rarely are you always going or being on stage. This is a great time to get your homework done so when you get home you can talk to, go out with, and get online with your friends or do something other than homework. Another thing is that when you research the character that you're playing, you not only look into history but also sometimes English. When you build a set or work lights, sound, and/or other crew, you use math and science regularly, whether to make sure that you can mix paints together or make sure that the set is safe for the cast or count tickets and ticket stubs.
All in all drama is fun, but most definitely not easy, and like most other subjects not always fun. Although most of the time it's very fun and you're having a great time because you make friends and are accepted for whom you are. Drama is a great way to learn about how the great actors and actresses became who they are and why they are so well liked. Also the drama department is great and lots of fun if you like attention and having a good time. Along with having fun you can become more creative and explore the many different types of acting and theater styles there are. So, have fun watching the "Odd Couple," by Neil Simon, both the female and male version this spring and get a great laugh out of them.