What does Theatre Mean to You?
“I mean I can not even imagine what I would be without theatre because I really think it define who I am…” — Alisha Morris
To all of you reading this, you most likely have an obsession with theatre as much as we do. Of course everyone has very different experiences and perspectives on how and why they adore theatre. With that in mind, I decided to go around school and ask some of my fellow peers what theatre really meant to them.
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Alisha Morris:
Alisha is currently the theatre directer and teacher at Olathe West and has been involved in theatre “since she could remember”.
Q: What does theatre mean to you?
A: “Theatre to me means community; the people you met through it become your favorite people. You just feel like a family when you’re apart of it. Also community and voice, because it allows you to express yourself and be apart of something.”
Q: What is your most memorable experience that you’ve had through theatre?
A: “I’d say every single time that I do a production when we have ‘pows and wows,’ at the end is always my favorite moment because thats the moment that kids start to realize how special it is and how awesome it was that they were apart of something that big, and also, that’s the moment when it clicks for everyone.”
Q: How has theatre helped you grow as a person?
A: “I mean I couldn’t even imagine who I would be without theatre;” (obviously because she is a theatre director) “I really think it defines who I am. I just couldn’t see myself doing anything other than theatre. It’s helped me grow by helping me deadlines in a timely manner, helping me communicate more efficiently with people and also a lot of confidence in my personal life. It just brings me joy to be apart of a show, or go see shows and have that whole other world as a part of me.”
Q: What have you learned through theatre?
A: “Deadlines. Corporation. Working with people you don’t get alone with a lot of the time, patience and just overall how to be creative. I didn’t really consider myself very much of a creative person when I was younger so I thing I’ve really stretched myself to really thing outside the box.”
Q: Do you think people in high school should join theatre?
A: “Of course! I think its a place and home for everyone. You can be talented in so many different things. If you don’t like being on stage, then we have backstage stuff. If you wanna shine then he have stuff on stage. There is something for everyone, and I think it’s probably one of the most accepting groups of people in this school. You are just loved by everyone there, no matter who you are or what you do.”
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Emma Johnson:
Emma Johnson is a sophomore that currently attends Olathe West High School. Emma have been involved in all productions at her school and intends to pursue a career as being a theatre educator.
Q: What does theatre mean to you?
A: “That’s a really hard question. It’s what I hope to do in my future, and it’s like life to me. It’s what I love doing, what I do pretty much everyday… I would like to be a theatre educator when I grow up.”
Q: What is the most memorable experience that you have had through theatre?
A: “Meeting all that people and hanging out with them. Also, the random times, not necessarily during rehearsal, like on trips we went on (State Thespian Conference). One of my favorite moments had been watching one of the shows that I directed preform in front of everyone at state, and watching the audience come in, see the set, and just look so amazed… It was just the best experience.”
Q: How has theatre helped you grow as a person?
A: “Oh geez, I used to be so shy. I wouldn’t talk to anyone, I was that little weirdo hiding in the corner. When I joined theatre I just gained so much confidence. I’m still really weird and I’m still really shy, but hey, at least I am confident in being who I am.”
Q: What have you learned through theatre?
A: “I have gained a LOT of patience. Especially being a director, trying to get people to do what you want them to do. Also, putting my thoughts or visions into actual words and being able to relate that to someone else so they can show that emotion on stage. Being both and actor and a techy was really hard for me, and it’s still really hard, but I am getting better at it. Patience is a big one though ’cause, gosh you guys are crazy.”
Q: Do you feel that theatre has played a huge part in your high school in experience?
A: “I really do. I’m half way through my sophomore year, and I know that it is something that I will never stop doing through high school or college. Sixth grade was kind of when I started really doing theatre, and then I have just never stopped since then. For me it has just been building and building, and I just want to do everything that I can for theatre.”
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Sam Roberts:
Sam Roberts is a Junior that attends Olathe West. He is very new to theatre, only being involved with it since last August. Despite only being a “newbie” he has snagged lead roles in both of Olathe West’s 2018–19 season.
Q: What does theatre mean to you?
A: “Theatre to me means expressing myself in ways I normally wouldn’t ever, its a way for me to let out emotions productively and to be who I want to be.”
Q: What is the most memorable experience that you have had through theatre?
A: “My most memorable experience in theatre would have to be my first ever show eurydice, it was a great time seeing it all come together seeing it build up and seeing everyone grow with that production and own it, it will hands down be my favorite production ill ever be apart of.”
Q: How has theatre helped you grow as a person?
A: “Theatre to me means expressing myself in ways I normally wouldn’t ever, its a way for me to let out emotions productively and to be who I want to be.”
Q: What have you learned through theatre?
A: “Theatre has taught me a lot of things, such as how to use my diaphragm to breath and to be louder without destroying my vocal cords, but it has also taught me social skills and how to open up to others more and to be more humble when it comes to things. Theatre has helped me not be so closed off to things I feel uncomfortable with but has shown me that I can do what I want if I put in the effort and time.”
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Lexie Eckles:
Lexie is a Freshman at Olathe West and has been in the past two productions this year. She played the role of Eurydice last October and continued to remain the role of her at State Thespian conference. Lexie has been involved with theatre her whole life, and wants to follow her mother footsteps; being on Broadway. Lexie is very passionate about singing and made the top choir at her school.
Q: What does theatre mean to you?
A: “Theatre is not just acting, it is a happy place where you can go and tell a story and be with people you love. For me, theatre means the world to me because I get to play different roles and perform and help productions come to life and tell stories in person.”
Q: What is the most memorable experience that you have had through theatre?
A: “My most memorable experience was when my first production in high school theatre “Eurydice” made state, where we all got to go to Wichita and perform as well as two other shows within Kansas. I had a very hard year and when I found out after all the hard work the cast put into to make such show, it was really worth it and I met lifelong friends for sure which means a lot to me.”
Q: How has theatre helped you grow as a person?
A: “When I started theatre, I was super shy and just wanted to try it. And then I got more and more involved which has allowed me to come out of my little bubble. Now I have found who I am more quickly and have found my true friends, without theatre I wouldn’t have my good friends and I wouldn’t be the social bug I am.”
Q: What have you learned through theatre?
A: “Theatre has taught me many many things. I have learned how to perform, how to build sets, how to design and organize, to schedule and plan, to make good memories and friends, do what I love and put good effort into it to make something special.”
Q: Do you think high schoolers should join theatre?
A: “I definitely think high schoolers should consider joining theatre. There are many places for students with many interests tech or acting. Even management or directing. Once you join theatre, you have a family right then and there and people who you can trust always. Theatre is a way to get out of your bubble and find amazing friends that are basically your family.”
