A Little Drama @ the Grove By: Sarenity Monroe

Everybody loves little drama and Hillgrove High school is no exception. The Hillgrove drama program is directed by Adam Sechelski and Anya Brante. They have put on a number of plays since 2013. Many members of this tightknit community say that is feels like a family and just by attending one of these shows, it’s easy to say that the healthy chemistry between actors can attest to those statements. Their most recent show was “Silent Sky” which is a one act play, set in the early 1900s, about a woman that is trying to follow her dreams of going to school and becoming a working woman.

The program is a safe place for a lot of students. It’s a program where students go to express themselves and learn new ways to be creative. It allows students to build character and learn what they may want to do with their future careers. Iliana Barber, a 12th grade drama member, states “the thing that has grown the most for me is my confidence, for sure.” While majority of the members don’t believe they will be doing anything theatre related after high school, some students say that the drama department has opened their eyes to what they may want to do with their future. Iliana Barber states, “That’s what I want to do for college actually, I’m in the process of applying for the Bachelor of Fine Arts for Musical Theatre at a bunch of schools.” 

Being a high school student, worrying about classes, grades, relationships, even friendships is difficult enough and can already be a lot of stress. Drama students must deal with all their regular teenage responsibilities and worry about performing correctly and controlling their anxiety. 12th grade student, Allie Reeves says, “Trying to make sure that everything that is in my head when I’m off stage will transfer when I’m on stage…I’m worried…I will mess up and I will think about the audience or that people won’t like the show.” With the preshow nerves, the students have found ways, or rituals, that help them regulate their anxiety and gather their thoughts. Almost like an athlete, some students like to listen to music to distract them from their nerves, “My favorite music, while I’m getting ready, because music has always been something that calms me down,” stated from 12th grade student Iliana Barber. 

The members of the drama department feel that the program goes underappreciated and is viewed stereotypically. They create bonds and a safe place for them to escape the world. They work hard, learn new things, and create memories that they will never forget. Stereotypically, the drama students are seen as ‘groupie’ or ‘dorky’ but Barber can quickly detest that, “Theatre kid may come off as weird…very groupie…take a second look at the people you’re with, its really just a bunch of kids who have the same passion and same drive, to want to grow each other as artists and put on the best shows that they can.” When you second guess the program or maybe you are afraid of what other people will think of you, like Hillgrove’s very own, Iliana Barber stated, “Take the leap”.