Drama students prepare for state

Practice makes perfect.

At least, that is what the Green River High School theater students are hoping is true.

In an effort to prepare for their upcoming state drama competitions, the GRHS thespians are hosting a public showcase of their state entries.

The Wyoming Educators of Secondary Theatre will host state drama Dec. 3-5. That may seem far away, but in reality it is only a couple weeks away. In order to prepare for the annual event, which has taken place since 1972, the GRHS thespians will have a public showcase of their entries Thursday, at 6 p.m. at the GRHS auditorium and in room 236.

“The audience can expect to see a different side of theater,” director Terrin Musbach said.

“Typically, local theater shows (are) a one-or-two-act play or musical. But there are many other kinds of theater that state drama has to offer the audience.”

According to a press release from WEST, around 600 drama students from about 25 schools in grades ninth through 12th grade will attend state drama.

Some of the events or categories are one act plays, performance art, monologues (humorous and dramatic), two-person scenes (humorous and dramatic), scenic design, costume design, make-up design (real and fantasy), lighting design, publicity, original scripts and scholarship auditions.

The performances are double scheduled, Musbach said which means the audience can decide what they want to watch. They can see a main stage show, a monologue, duets, or a musical event. The entire event, which is free to the public, will last from 6-8 p.m. 

Musbach said the students have created characters from published monologues and  musical pieces for a 30-minute show. Additionally, there is a group performance art piece, meaning the group writes the script together and then decides how to act it out.

“When the students have a chance to perform before a live audience prior to the competition it really helps them understand how their piece will be received; and how they can improve the piece,” Musbach said. “A big part of the showcase, is allowing the audience to talk back about their experiences and their thoughts, while watching our performances. The audience can also see all of the technical design we take. From costumes, set, lights, makeup and publicity. We have it all.”

Although state drama is largely student driven, Musbach and assistant coach, Emily Beitel ensure the students have advice and the help they need.

“We hope to see our community at this amazing event,” she said. “The kids have worked incredibly hard.”