Alliance High School has developed a reputation for having outstanding fall play performances and has even become competitive at the state level. This year the directors, cast, and crew are hoping to continue that tradition with a performance of “I’m Not Ebenezer Scrooge,” which is a parody of “A Christmas Carol.”

Play Director Mrs. Jill Hoesing said that play was chosen this year for two reasons; first, last year’s play was serious and it was decided to switch things up and do a comedy this year; and second, the play would allow for a large cast, which was needed after the audition call had a turn out of fifty-three students. Since Jill Hoesing and Co-Director Mary Theresa Green try to find places for all of the students who want to participate, they had to choose a play that would accommodate them all. The auditions took four days, two of which were after the play was chosen so the cast could practice and audition for specific parts.

Mrs. Hoesing said there are four things that need to be taken into consideration when choosing a play, besides the number of students who want to participate. Directors must weigh how long the play takes to perform, whether or not the sets can be set up and taken down in ten minutes, as well as be easily hauled in a U- Haul, and the extent of costume demands.

School nurse, Karen Aertes Curtiss, helps with the costumes, but having to make an outrageous number of authentic costumes is too taxing. The cast also has to be in appropriate costumes; i.e. if the play is set in the 1920’s the cast cannot be wearing modern DC shoes. Music, make-up, and lights are also factors that must be considered when choosing a play. For instance, if the script says there is lightning, the directors must be able to produce lightning. Music is an optional element, although Mrs. Hoesing tries to incorporate music if cast members have the talent to do so.

Competitive Play Production, formally known as One Act, is like a music competition in the sense that each year returning champions are expected to bring something new to the stage in order to impress the judges. Since AHS falls into that category, they must be prepared to step it up a notch this year.

The Play Production Competition will be competing in class B this year, but the district assignments haven’t been posted. This means that Alliance doesn’t know against whom they will be competing in class B. The Play Production Competition cast and directors are also looking forward to preforming in the new Preforming Art Center and discovering what new special effects can be produced with the new technology.

When asked how the Play Production Competition was going so far this year, Destaney Mundt, a junior, said that everything is going great. Destaney got one of the speaking parts this year and it was quite evident that she was excited with the part and her opportunity to be a member of an award-winning tradition.

Good luck AHS cast, crew, and directors.