A high schooler's guide to laughter
Plains High School student Rebecca Madden explains to the audience how to properly use a trash can, and that freshmen don’t belong in them, at a recent production of “High Schooler’s Guide to the Galaxy.” (Erin Jusseaume photos/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
Plains High School student Dustee Hayes as the off-the-cuff bus driver who is still working off his detention from high school.-
Three “mean girls” educate the audience in their own version of what not to wear to school.
The Plains High School Drama Club presented a gym full of laughter to all who attended last week’s production of “High Schooler’s Guide to the Galaxy.”
The small group of aspiring actors took to the stage in front of friends and family with an eye for the bright lights.
Delving into the unique and hilarious journey that each high schooler takes, the young cast took on various roles of all who help shape each student’s journey through high school.
Though some of the younger actors had first-performance nerves, it was easy to see how much they enjoyed the art of performing. Veteran seniors helped the younger students feel a little more at ease when they stumbled on a line or two.
Each student delved into each of their multiple parts as they took the audience on a journey through each of the 12 chapters.
Senior Jubal Ryan had the audience in stitches during two different character changes. First as a gym teacher and then as a military figure who mistakenly took a job at a school not realizing the parameters he would be working within until he attended the “staff meeting.”
Through each skit, all actors were comfortable feeding off each other’s energy as they delivered their lines.
A tit-for-tat experience between the audience and actors enabled the young cast to fully embrace their roles. Laughter did get the better of everyone with a few one-liners that heard a rumble of giggles, no matter if you were in the audience, on stage or getting ready back stage.
Bec Madden’s cafeteria character had the audience in stitches as she embraced the wacky character’s deliverance as she explained her roll to feeding hungry teenagers.
With an 80s-style mullet wig accompanied with a New Jersey accent, she commanded the stage as her character recounted the pros and cons of cafeteria etiquette and food.
The Plains High School Drama Club not only delivered an astounding performance, drama instructor Cathy Emmett said the play aided the young cast in embracing the art of acting.
“Because we are a small cohort, it allowed all the kids to pick up multiple roles and really get the most out of what it takes to become a great actor,” she said.
“This play was a great choice for our group this year, and really showed to be a confidence boost to our newer actors.”
Though the club is small, Emmett said from the time they come into the program until they graduate, the confidence in a range of areas can easily been seen.
“It’s great to see the growth in their individual personalities as a result from learning the craft. The kids really come out of their shells,” said Emmett.
The play was showcased in the Plains High School gym for two shows. Both shows had a good turnout for audience attendance.