24 hour theater jumpstarts many students’ creativity
Theater productions are usually a big commitment. However, twice a year, students can participate in a theater production for just 24 hours. On Sept. 23 at 8 p.m., people from all over the community get to see the blood, sweat and tears that are put into these acts each year.
According to head of the NPHS theater department, Marilyn Strange, this event is a catalyst for students to become active members in theater. “This will open the door for non-theater kids that are a little more just interested,” Strange said.
Whilst trying new activities are helpful, the event also encourages students to challenge themselves and manage their time against a deadline. Reece Kepe, sophomore, and one of the lead actors in the student production “Love in Lauderdale,” commented on his initial anxiety. “I was scared, especially in the first run through because I didn’t have anything memorized. I was like, ‘what’s the line? What’s the line?’ But the moment we got through the first run-through, and I was able to remember everything. I was like, ‘Oh, I’m good,’” Kepe said.
Similar to Kepe, something that Kayla Knight, senior and actor in “Love in Lauderdale,” recognizes about the 24 Hour Theater Production, is the amount of dedication that actors need to succeed. “I was most excited to…challenge myself because it’s really hard, not only for memorization, but for character development,” Knight said.
For some students, the event opens a window of creativity, whether you are exploring a different role or set design. Kepe speaks on inspiration gained from 24 Hour as well as Broadway productions. “You look behind the scenes and they have everything and you think, ‘I want to implement it into our own shows,’ and you get a similar aspect. Like for Oklahoma, this might be a spoiler, and I’m not gonna specify what, but we’re rigging in stuff. Stuff that hasn’t really been done. Or it has, but it’s the first time in a while.”
For two nights each school year, students of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life are able to channel their creativity and challenge themselves in this 24-hour event. Even if things go wrong, participating students are able to enjoy the product of their hard work. New bonds are given the opportunity to form, and existing friendships are made even stronger. The next 24 hour theater production will take place in the spring, where multiple schools in CVUSD come together. “This is the activity to do [theater]…if somewhere in your body, you get that feeling,” Strange said.
