After weathering the ups and downs of COVID-related shutdowns last school year, the Delcastle Players (Drama Club) were back and took the stage with enthusiasm in Just Another High School Play. The comedic show is about a group of actors who have apparently been abandoned by their drama teacher and have to fend for themselves on opening night in front of a live audience. Their teacher has left them hanging because no one has been showing up to rehearsals and no one is really quite sure what they are supposed to do.
"I felt this show gave the kids the room to open up a little more and have more freedom in their roles," says director Rob Ritter. "Instead of having to be true to certain well-known characters, they were able to flex their improv muscles."
The cast and crew, many of them returning from last season, were quite pleased with the production and the journey to show night. "My favorite part...was making lifelong friends along the way," exclaims Lauren Ford '24, who played Beth in the production. She adds, "I've made very important connections with those who are in drama club. They are my second family."
Co-stage manager Eva Gonzalez '25 echoed this sentiment from backstage. "We had a lot of fun... watching the actors bring this play to life."
Director Rob Ritter knows this feeling well, having been a part of the Theatre Arts program when it was offered at Delcastle in the 1990s. The Theatre Arts program has since transformed into the long-running Delcastle Drama Club, affectionately known as the Delcastle Players. Despite the challenges brought forth by the pandemic, Rob is proud that the group has "regrown...to over 30 kids, both cast and tech." His dedication to seeing live theatre continue at Delcastle is not only because of the connections and memories the cast and crew make, but the real world lessons the theatre offers. "To always be open to thinking outside of the box or to be ready to adapt to any situation [and] to have courage to push themselves to levels they never imagined they could reach" are some of the things Rob says only live theatre can provide.
Natalie Samuel '25, assistant director, agrees with Rob's assessment. "The most rewarding part [of the production] is the reward you learn and the experience that you just got...at the end you all did it as a cast and its just the amazing feel you get." Co-stage manager Lela Goolday '25 adds, "My favorite part was watching my friends grow as actors and as people. The shows were very rewarding."
Look out for the troupe's next production later this spring.
Photos submitted from the cast and crew of Just Another High School Play:
