Opening week proves stressful, but worth it to thespians
Chloe Jackson, Reporter
February 13, 2010
Filed under Student Life
Imagine spending a full 16 hours in Belton High School for three days straight. That includes 8 hours of grueling practice after school, sometimes uncomfortable costumes, and wearing heavy make-up and complicated hair. Well, that’s exactly what each person involved in theatre productions at the high school have to go through each opening week of a play.
To make sure their act is completely together by opening night, the actors and all of those involved behind the scenes of the play report to the forum theatre right after school Monday through Wednesday of opening week. With the possibility of getting out earlier than the scheduled 11 o’clock, most try to do their part as best they can, and quickly, so they can get out earlier.
Of course, this is not always the case. There are always a few technical difficulties, and tensions run high as the clock ticks past 9 P.M. While all this madness is going on, those offstage may even try to get in a nap or fit in some homework, but sometimes this results in a missed cue and angry remarks from fellow actors and techies for making them have to stop.
The week is so stressful, thespians refers to it as “Hell Week”, and for good reason.
Even though the weak is so nerve-racking, it is definitely needed. Actors are able to practice with their costumes, and get in sync with the sound and lights that will be used during the play.
Sophomore Lauren Gardner, who was the star of the winter play “John Lennon & Me”, said she thinks that although the weak is rough, they definitely need it to make sure the play is a success.
“It’s hard work and very,very,very tiring but completely and utterly worth it,” said Gardner of the notorious week.
It’s not completely intense, though. Many find the week fun, as well as rough, because they get to hang out with their friends for 8 hours straight. Even though the majority of their time is spent on stage or in the light and sound booth, the cast and crew have chances to talk and laugh while getting ready and having the delicious dinner provided by the parents.
Sophomore Kaylee Winer, who was Props Mistress for the winter play, says the good part about Hell Week is being able to hang out with her friends and do what she loves to do.
“I like hanging out with everyone. I can have fun hanging out with the people I love doing the thing I like,” Winer said.
Whether they’re improvising because of someone’s late entrance or figuring out what to do with someone’s uncooperative hair, thespians have the opportunity to perfect their show, hang out with friends, and make sure they present an entertaining play.
Even though it may not be a week they look forward to, all would most likely agree that it is a week that is needed to make sure what they present showcases all of the grueling hours spent working on the play.
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