| Volume 3 No. 1 | October 2007 |
Break a Leg!
By Meagan Parsons '09
Note to reader: I do not want Diman's theatrical students limping their way around the school on crutches. I am of course talking about the comeback of the Drama Club! As many of you know, the last attempt at a drama club was less than successful. Hope is now restored for the budding performers of Diman Regional!
The 2007-2008 Drama Club has been revived by English teacher Ms. Guida. The club will be a mainly student-run organization. Ms. Guida told me, "I am just here to point them in the right direction." The goal of the club is to appeal to students who express an interest in art, dance, music, and actual stage acting. Ms. Guida refers to the club as "cultural snacking." This means that the members of the Drama Club will not just be dancing around a stage, they will be viewing art forums, listening to all varieties of music, and learning to express themselves through dance and theatrical drama.
Ms. Guida would enjoy seeing these students learn how different types of plays and musicals are produced, and also speak with real stage performers. "I also hope to take the students to see several professional stage productions during the year," Ms. Guida added.
Students who are interested in the Drama Club do not need any prior acting or dancing experience to join the club. Anyone who is willing to make a commitment is encouraged to participate. Ms. Guida understands if you have a job or are committed to a sport, but adds: "If students are serious about this, they will make time to come to the meetings."
Ms. Guida has high hopes for this years' Drama Club: "I hope that this will end up being a great cultural experience for these students. They need to be shown that education is more than books, essays, equations, and facts. It's about expanding their artistic abilities, their minds, and seeing what different art forms have to offer them in their lives. Art and theater may be the softer side of our cultural makeup, but they are still an important part." She continued, "Art connects us, entertains us, and reminds us that life is a beautiful thing, no matter how bad a day, week, or month we're having at the time. I hope our students can come away with that and give a little piece back to everyone here at Diman. Hopefully, with student and faculty help, this program will take off and flourish for many years to come."
We wish Ms. Guida and all of the Drama Club members the best of luck!
The Drama Club plans on meeting at least twice a week and possibly, one Saturday each month. Ideas for the first production are already in the works, and both are comedies. One possibility is a comedy spin of the story of Beowulf. The other is mashed up retelling of classic fairytales such as Hansel and Gretel and Little Red Riding Hood. The first production is expected in Spring of 2008.
