Mr. Gruden is the new drama teacher, hired in July, and he has 20 years of teaching drama under his belt. Although this is his first year teaching high school drama, he is well-liked by his students, and they all share one thing, their love for theater. Ms. Bradley and Mr. Gruden are preparing “Peter and the Star Catcher,” a play about a boy who doesn’t want to grow up and meets an unlikely group of friends along the way to help him on his journey.  Blake Baoloy and Aiden Deschenes are the stars of the play, performing as Peter. Brandee Hess and Emma Welch take on the role of Molly and join Peter on his journey. Students in drama are working together inside and outside of class to perfect the upcoming show. Behind the scenes are students who bond with one another, communicate outside of class, and are friends outside of EHS’s wonderful theater. With Mr. Gruden settling in nicely and providing for his eager students, his young followers are glad to have him around and enjoy his teaching. Mr. Gruden works around problems that may arise and keeps the spotlight on his performers, happy to teach, and happier to fit in with his class.

While it seems all calm on the southern front here in Elsinore, behind the scenes is much more difficult than you think! Kaylee is drama’s treasurer, a role important to the outcome of the show. Kaylee is in charge of the funds raised or graciously given by the school to purchase equipment, be it for costumes, stuffies, or even silly string! Depending on how and when it’s needed, Kaylee is the one to see for your needs. Mr. Gruden assists with caring for the money and helps with raising the funds necessary, and much of it comes from shows put on by the students! A while is spent on costumes too, tailored to fit the performers, some of which are paid for from outside of school. Months go into working to memorize lines, to get into character, and to perfect performances.

Pushing past fears or looking out to loved ones in the crowd, performers are very in tune with themselves and confident in their work. Some wish to move forward in the acting world, while some will choose to stay with high school experiences, but if they made it this far, who’s to say they won’t make it farther?

Thank you to the drama class and Mr. Gruden for allowing us your time to interview you! Chrys and Evelyn out, see you next week on Tiger Times! Or at the showings for Peter and the Star Catcher, November 2nd, 3rd, and 4th at 7 pm, with a special matinee performance on November 4th as well! See ya then! /\__/\