Kayla

SCHS staff poses

There is more to theater than show night and spotlights. Theater takes equal dedication from the backstage crew and actors. However, not many people are aware of what goes into the early stages of creating one of Summer Creek’s first 23-24 school year productions, Blithe Spirit; a comedy about a man being haunted by his ghostly ex-wife.

Mr. Mason Cargile has been working with the acting cast of The Blithe Spirit, dedicating his time every day after school to the intricate blocking, script adjustments and temporary prop substitutions. They even dedicated work days solely to perfecting the accents used in the play. Stage manager, Bailey Cox, has been in the theater scene for five years. This is her first time stage managing on a high school level and she has a lot on her plate including running auditions, rehearsals and shows alongside Mr. Cargile. 

Character Madame Arcadi, the eccentric, whimsical, psychic is presented by Brynn Lipham. She is confident and steadfast in embodying her role. You’d never guess that she has only been doing this for a year. With her character, memorizing lines isn’t the only aspect, she has to be CRAZY. They have been working on blocking and currently beginning running through the play and implementing character choices. This allows the actors to connect with and develop their character and ask themselves ‘Who is this person’ and ‘Why are they doing what they’re doing?’ Essentially figuring out who your character is.

Another big part of production is preparation. More specifically, when an actor or actress is not present. Shamari Whitley has stepped up to the plate tackling four different female roles as the only understudy.

“I kinda have to live up to everybody instead of just one character,” Whitley stated. “It is relieving because I can still be a part of the play.” 

Understudies are a crucial part of show business. Shamari’s role requires her to be attentive.  She has to pay attention to character blocking, tone, lines and notes each character receives. Shamari has a very positive attitude in reference to her role. 

The work of the backstage and tech team are undoubtedly the backbone within any production. Emiko Steinke has been doing theater for six years. She is the assistant house manager and part of the publicity staff. 

“I’m excited to do publicity. It’s my first time so I’m a little nervous, but overall excited,” Steinke stated. 

The goal of the publicity staff is to raise awareness of the production and sell, sell, sell. Being assistant house manager, Steinke is required to help the house manager, Liyah Babineaux, as well as collect film for the playhouse.

As the Blithe Spirit is a story of the prim and proper, it is important for the costumes to reflect that to the tee. Harrison Miller is the head of the costume department. He and his team have taken up on the endeavor.

“The play is set in the 1940s and I am very excited for the challenge of costuming a period show,” Harrison said. 

Harrison has been doing theater for six years with a love for both tech and acting. Being in the department for all four years of high school, he and the directors were confident in his abilities. The costume department is all about detail with specialization in the visual appearance, but also what the audience can’t see such as corsets, boning or padded outfits. They begin by reading the scripts to brainstorm ideas and costume elements to go over with the director. 

There has been nothing but positivity in the workspace, and everyone has been super excited to get the show on the road.

“It’s a very fun show! It’s very active. I’m excited for all the supernatural elements, things flying everywhere, the seance… I’m very excited to see all the elements coming together,” Lipham said.

Make sure to see The Blithe Spirit from Oct. 20 to 21!