Tag Archives: Pride and Prejudice

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Theatre seniors rise to inspirational finale

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By Megan Johnson

Senior year. The finale of a teen’s high school career. Some feel it is the last time they will ever been seen as a teenager and the first time they will be seen as an adult. However, for some teens involved in theatre, their “finale” is very literal.

Theatre seniors experienced such a finale last weekend in “Pride and Prejudice.” Within this show, some of the seniors had major roles. Other cast members like sophomore Ashley Denny said seniors displayed leadership in playing their roles.

“They’re very helpful, dedicated and hard working actors,” she said.

Denny said that senior Savannah Wormley taught her how to work hard during performances, but also enjoy herself.

Wormley shared that theatre has not always been her main priority. However, over the years it has become a major part of her life.

“Theatre is what got me to come out of my shell. I’m not exactly shy, but theatre really takes away inhibitions, you become very outgoing,” said Wormley.

Sophomore Henry Miller said his inspiration comes from not only one actor, but two: seniors Clay Gulley and Collin Jackson.

“They have taught me that theater is tough because you have a lot of competition, but a lot of people want you to succeed,” said Miller.

Jackson explained that theatre has always been a part of his life.

“I feel like it’s just a part of me. I don’t experience what I feel on stage anywhere else. I just can’t not do it,” he said.

Miller shared that he sees both of these actors as very talented and wishes to succeed as they have.

Theatre director Robbie Steiner said Gulley stood out amongst his peers as a true leader.

“He’s the thespian president and a great example of somebody who works very hard. He’s humble, he cares for his peers and makes effort to be a good role model,” said Steiner.

Steiner shared that Gulley has matured since his freshman year and has become a hard-working, poised young man.

Gulley shared that this maturity has mainly blossomed within the past year.

“The fact that I’m almost 18 and about to graduate has really given me perspective on things. To accept that you’re growing up requires some maturity, and I think some of that maturity has transcended into my performances,” said Gulley.

With all four years of experience and growth in theatre, Gulley leaves with high hopes for the up and coming leaders.

“I believe that anyone who is true to their passions, is hardworking and above all, truly respectful of others has the potential to truly be a wonderful leader. Theatre is a fire within the performer and only he can keep it ablaze.”

Additional reporting by Melanie Parrish.

A&E, Isaac Mathewson

This weekend’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ ends theatre year

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By Isaac Mathewson

FC theatre director Robbie Steiner’s second year has reached its conclusion. To end the year right, he has brought the school an adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice.

Pride and Prejudice tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet, a young middle class woman who falls in love with Mr. Darcy, a handsome rich man who does not return her love because she is of a lower class. Both of them must overcome their pride and prejudice if they are to finally express their love for each other.

Junior Alyson Jones, who plays Elizabeth, is very excited to be a part of this show.

“I know that there is going to be at least one beautiful performance, a few mistakes, and many tears will be shed.”

Jones has spent the past few months preparing for her role. She says that her greatest strength is facial expression and her greatest weakness is memorization. She likes to spend Monday rehearsals studying her role and getting into her character, which she describes as spunky and opinionated.

Senior Collin Jackson, who plays Mr. Darcy, is also excited to be a part of this production, which will be his final performance here at FC.

“It’s a great learning experience. It greatly contrasts from my role in The Scarlet Pimpernel.”

Jackson says that this role really allows him to focus on his acting and improve on his strength of feeling emotion and his weakness for displaying that emotion.

Behind the scenes, there is a crew of only four techs:  senior John McGehee as stage manager, junior Madeline Kemp as lighting designer, freshman Jerran Kowalski on lighting board and sophomore Sam Simms on sound board.

Kemp’s job is to give lighting queues to Kowalski. It is her first job in this position.

“Lighting is what moves the show in the right direction; it is great to have this new position.”

Although the tech crew is small, all of them act professionally and they believe that the show will be good.

Pride and Prejudice will premiere on April 25, 26, and 27 at 7:30 p.m. and April 26 and 27 at 2 p.m.  

A&E

FC theatre recreates Jane Austen’s 1813 classic

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By Melanie Parrish and Megan Johnson

“Alright ladies and gents, line up for the last dance in the second ball,” said director Amy Harpenau.

Theatre students hastily take their places on the floor. As they disperse and the talking dies down, a countdown of “five, six, seven, eight” is given and classical music begins to play.

Pride and Prejudice is a play set in the early 1800’s about a young woman whose strong willed intentions clash with the surrounding beliefs of others.

“I think the sort of strict boundaries of this time period go along with relations between characters, because if somebody dances with the same girl twice, then it’s like ‘oh, well we’re expecting a marriage proposal now’,” said junior Chelsea Balmer, who plays Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

Pride and Prejudice is a novel originally written by Jane Austen. The book created the basis for the play later written by Jon Jory. Within this play, there are several themes: romance, independence, responsibility, and of course, pride and prejudice.

A major theme within both the play and the book  is justified within the first lines, “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.”

However, in order for these themes to be shown thoroughly, they must have actors who are able to naturally display them.

“When we choose a student for a role, we’re looking at the character qualities as a person and as an actor,” said Harpenau. “Actors are more than just what is written on a page.”

Director Amy Harpenau coaches senior Savannah Wormley and sophomore Ashley Denny. Photo by Megan Johnson.
Director Amy Harpenau coaches senior Savannah Wormley and sophomore Ashley Denny. Photo by Megan Johnson.“Actors are more than just what is written on a page.”

The play is defined as a “satire,” meaning comical ridicule is used to show the indirect problems within the plot. As the play is a satire, actors must be able to act in a comical manner, yet still channel the true emotion of their character.

“I try to think about the character’s mental status,” explained Balmer. “I try to think, ‘how does that affect their thinking and their feeling?’”

Though the specifics of stage design have not been released yet, there will be a new addition.

“It will include an extension of the stage, allowing the actors to be closer to the audience,” said theatrical arts teacher Robbie Steiner.

“Hopefully the design doesn’t stick out; I want the audience’s focus to be more towards the students.”

Pride and Prejudice will be showing April 25, 26, 27 at 7:30 p.m. and April 26, 27 at 2 p.m.

“With such a range of characters, you are bound to find someone that you like. There’s a lot of great banter between the characters, so it’s fun, but there’s also a really good underlying message.”