Movies We Watch

I was a drama geek in high school. We did plays, sometimes musicals, 3 a year. It was no big deal, the budgets were small, no one stood out that much, though some people consistently got the leads. The competition wasn’t cut throat and there was no expectation this would launch anyone to stardom.

These high schools on the other hand are freaking crazy with their budgets, costumes, brutal try outs, and long long rehersals.

It was nice to see the gentler side of some of the actors, but the wealthy high school put on a play that was a “vehicle” for the director and appeared to be boring beyond belief. At least the one high school put on “Zombie Prom” which I wish our local school would do.

The poor high school was the one I identified with the most. You make your own sets out of what you can find or get donated, you wear your own clothes when possible, and you have some fun. The tickets are $15 or $20, they are tickets your friends can afford.

Interesting look at high school theatre and the differences between schools in the same area.

Hint: when it stops becoming fun, you should get paid for it kids.

imdb.com

This documentary made in January 2007 follows three Southern Indiana high schools as they go through the production process of their winter musicals. New Albany High School’s theater department had already had their Disney fall musical accepted for the June Thespian Festival. During the documentary, they are working on an original musical, “Kaiulani” which was written by two local teachers. This musical was a huge challenge because there was no movie or play to compare it to. Characters and song interpretations were created during the rehearsal process. However, this play was not being adjudicated like their fall one, so there was less stress for directors and actors.

Floyd Central High School re-created their fall show, “Zombie Prom.” It had already been selected to be presented at the June Thespian Festival. Both of these schools are a part of the same school corporation and they have often combined their talents and performed joint productions. In the fall of 2008, they jointly produced “Aida.” Jeffersonville High School also has a large drama department, but has less experience attending the prestigious summer festival. Although their budget is not as sky high as the other two, they do quality work. This documentary features the backstage drama and features many of the actors, tech, and directors.