Styled and Shakespeare

By Sarah Loh

Late nights, lost voices, and scrambling chaos, all bundled into Drama Production Week. 

Opening night started with The Comedy of Errors, a fun play about two sets of twins who get mixed up in different situations and cause mayhem. “My favorite scene from the drama production is when in the Comedy of Errors, the sets of twins are revealed, and then everyone’s confused,” said Rachael Burley (10), one of the actresses. The Comedy of Errors was followed by a story about two sisters and marriage, called The Taming of the Shrew. 

Playing the Courtesan, Evy Thompson (9) said, “My favorite part about performing Shakespeare was probably the period it was set in, because that let us have a lot of fun with the vibrant coloring and styles of the costumes and with the wording of our lines.” 

I led the drama makeup crew and was able to watch the play three different times. Each time, it helped me understand the story more and see how the actors portrayed the same scene differently. 

Behind the scenes, many different people were at work: the crew managed the lights and sound; the backstage crew controlled curtains and moved set pieces; the makeup club did the actors' makeup; and Olive Berends (10) helped with hair and acted. She said, “It was definitely hectic trying to get everything done on time, but it was so worth it. I loved working out different styles for each character and being a part of the crew while also getting to act on stage.” 

Every play typically involves costume changes, but in this production, I waited behind the scenes working on Nadia Book’s (11) makeup while Olive Berends (10) styled her hair, and other girls helped with her costume changes.

The week of production consisted of tech runs, dress rehearsals, and late nights. “It was chaotic. Everyone is scrambling to perfect their lines, and people are trying to build the set in as little time as possible. For me, I fell asleep in class in no fault of my own, of course, and apparently, I snored. But the chaotic nature of tech week is what makes it so fun. The erratic underlying panic we all feel kind of helps us bond closer if you ask me,” said Wonhoo Shin (10).

Some new faces joined the drama. “[the] experience was pretty good. People were fun, a little goofy, but definitely fun, and it created good amounts of anxiety within me,” explained Raylon Hardgrove (9). 

As many seniors performed their last play, it was a bittersweet moment. Michael Silverstein (12)  reflected, “I’m really gonna miss the community because I have made such good bonds with all the drama people at Dalat, and leaving will be hard.” 

“Thanks to Drama, I have a lifetime worth of memories with my friends,” said Marcus Lim (12). 

Here’s to the seniors' last drama performance, drama seniors signing out :)