The Myers Park theater program left us stunned and amazed after its excellent productions in the 2021-2022 school year! Last year’s spring musical, Mamma Mia, had the audience laughing, smiling, crying, and dancing. This year’s shows follow the theme, “Life is a Mystery.” Ms. Roberts’ chosen lineup for this year does not disappoint!
“We have four production opportunities this year,” says Ms. Roberts. “The first one is a set of one-act plays. One revolves around The Art of Murder (that is what it is called). The second show is a student-written piece from a student who graduated last year, Roddie Trotter, called Dentist Office.” From October 6th through October 8th, audiences are welcome to enjoy these thrilling mysteries.
On November 17th, the MPHS theater will open its second show of the year. “The second show that we are doing is Clue! If you love the movie and the board game, that is what the show is,” emphasized Ms. Roberts.
In December, Myers Park theater invites students to write their own one-act plays to be performed by their peers. “Our student-written production is Original Works. Students submit their scripts, and students vote on them. The shows are then performed on the stage in January and will receive full tech support from the technical theater classes.”
Myers Park theater is again taking on a big musical to perform in the spring. “Wrapping up for the year is our musical, Legally Blonde!” says Ms. Roberts. The beloved Broadway show will open on April 27th.
There are many different ways for students to get involved in theater at Myers Park. “We have the after-school theater program where any Myers Park student can audition for a production. Students do not need to be enrolled in one of the theater classes. We also have students who tech the productions. Any students are welcome to sign up for tech, but it helps if you have previous tech experience.”
Another way students can get involved is through Myers Park’s Theater Honor Society, the International Thespian Society (ITS). “Troupe 780 meets the first Friday of every month to do an hour-long workshop to connect other theater students,” says Ms. Roberts. This is an excellent way for students to introduce themselves to the theater program.
Auditioning for shows can seem like a scary task to many students. “It is important just to try,” emphasized Ms. Roberts. “You never know whether or not you’re right for the part. Freshmen have always been cast in shows in their first year. You never know if you are going to get it unless you audition! Everybody gets nervous. Everybody is anxious and questions whether or not they will get in. I continue encouraging people who do not make it to continue auditioning and to come and ask for feedback. I always offer feedback to students who have auditioned so they can learn what to improve on for the next audition.”
The Myers Park community should come to show their support and see the spectacular productions the school’s theater program put on. “Live theater is so cool and amazing because no show is ever the same…. The cast and the crew feed off the energy the audience gives them. They find new ways to explore their characters every night. Just come out and see these shows. These students work countless hours rehearsing and fine-tuning these productions. They love whenever their peers and the community come out to support them. The theater is a chance to escape from everything in the world now.”
Getting involved in theater is a great way to “Make the Park your own.” Follow @mphs_theater on Instagram and explore the theater website, bit.ly/mphstheater, to find everything you need to participate in the program.