Hughson High School’s drama classes put on about two productions during each school year. Brad Thompson, the music and drama teacher, decided for both classes to do Frozen Jr. All the students auditioned for a role in the production and the cast was decided between students and Thompson. Each person that got a speaking role is discovering their character as the cast goes through rehearsals in and outside of class. Plenty of time and effort goes into each theater production, therefore the cast members have to work hard and memorize all the songs, choreography, and speaking lines. Each actor has a different perspective on what is difficult or what they are looking forward to during certain productions.
Kylee Bingamon is a senior at Hughson High School this year. She is the current president of third period’s drama class and this is her third year in drama. Kylee assists Brad Thompson by helping lead the class, and she helps other drama students in any way she can. Kylee Bingamon got casted as Anna after she auditioned for the role. Kylee said, “One of the biggest challenges I have faced is not really speaking or memorizing lines, but staying engaged and in character while you are on the stage, but not talking or like the main focus of the scene. It’s something that I didn’t understand right away as a new actor, and I think it’s a skill that should be implemented upon actors as soon as possible.” Kylee took interest in Hughson’s drama class because she has a lot of passion for theatre, and she wants to continue this passion later on in her life. She said, “I look forward to growing with my fellow cast and building a bond with them. Friendships are one of the greatest gifts that comes from theater.” Kylee is also looking forward to third period’s community performance because family and friends will come to support her. She said, “I love performing for them and having their support while I am on stage.”
Maci Fife is a junior and this is her second year in drama. She added, “I’ve done short summer productions with Mr. Thompson since I was ten years old.” Maci Fife got casted as Elsa after the audition process. Maci said, “I chose drama as an elective because it has a great social environment.” She also explained that she enjoys stepping out of her comfort zone and expanding her limits. When asked about challenges that come with having a speaking role, she said, “Having a speaking role can be challenging because it takes a lot of free time.” Maci helps the class understand the music, and guides singers through sometimes difficult parts. Maci also explained the process of how she studies her character. She said, “I watch clips from the movie and clips from other Disney Jr. productions. This helps me develop an idea of how I want to portray Elsa through my movements and speaking tones.” Maci also spends time reading lines during free time in classes, and she acts the scenes out at home. Maci added that she wants to create an element of magic while performing in this production. She said, “I look forward to the performance when Samaritan Village comes because they are always sweet, supportive, and fun to talk to.”
Bailey Bilson has been in drama for two years, and she is currently a junior. Bailey has been performing since she was three years old. She said, “I chose drama because I love to perform.” Bailey originally auditioned for Anna, but she got casted as Olaf. She said, “The challenges with having a speaking role is the outside rehearsals.” She also added, “I’m taking two AP classes this year so having to go to extra rehearsals will be hard but I’m ready!” Bailey has experience with dance, so she helps the class with a lot of choreography. She is patient with fellow students and always puts a great amount of effort into the musical numbers. Bailey said, “I really look forward to being a fun character that everyone knows and loves! I’m Olaf and I know I will have fun singing and dancing!” Bailey is also excited for the performance for Samaritan Village. She said, “I know one of the ladies there and I’m excited to see her reaction when she sees me as Olaf.”