As the lights slowly dim and the curtain begins to open the cast knows, it’s show time. Students at Frederick High have spent the past few months practicing lines, building and painting sets, organizing costumes and mastering the precision of each dance step. On Thursday, November 3 you will feel the excitement, see the hours of preparation and watch in anticipation as the outstanding cast brings the stage to life in the fall musical, Beauty and the Beast.
For some, this is their first production at Frederick and for others, this is one of their last before they graduate. But for all, the stage is a place they call home, a place where they belong and a place where students know mediocrity in a performance or in a rehearsal is not an option. For Jill Ripa, Frederick’s drama teacher, the best part of her job is seeing the looks on her students’ faces when they realize what it feels like to reach for the stars and actually touch them.
At Frederick, the production of a musical or play does not end in drama class; it is a schoolwide collaboration with the digital programs including Graphic Design and Photography. These courses partner with the Drama class to create the marketing materials and provide a real-world, portfolio-building experience for the students. The lessons continue as students learn the value of teamwork, leadership and the amount of time it takes to perfect a scene or line.
These foundational skills have not gone unnoticed. Students have found success at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, University of Colorado Boulder and University of Northern Colorado. One of the program’s alumni earned a lead role in Twelfth Night in her first college audition. In addition, ten students have qualified for nationals at the Colorado Thespian Convention.
Although we a robust theater program with a musical every fall, two plays in the spring and an evening of one-acts directed by seniors in May, the memories lie within the most defining moments after we end the show on opening night, and when a student sees that they can do more than they ever thought they could.
Let’s spend a little time getting to know Beauty and the Beast and we invite you to “Be Our Guest”
McKenzie Stephenson, a senior at Frederick High, will play Belle.
Why did you try out for your character?
This is my dream role. I have always dreamed of being a Disney princess.
How many theater productions have you been a part of?
Six, hopefully that number will grow.
Tell us a little bit about what goes into your preparation for opening night?
I will be going over my lines constantly. There’s always room for improvement, and now I need to improve as much as I can to make sure this show is flawless.
What is your favorite memory from your years at Frederick High?
Any time I have been onstage with my friends.
What are your postsecondary plans?
I want to study musical theater and intercultural communications at the University of Northern Colorado and later become a Disney cast member.
Alec Ahlstrom, a Senior at Frederick High, will play Beast.
Why did you try out for your character?
In the past, I have done comedic roles, and I wanted to try something new (drama, anger, tragedy) as Beast.
How do you get into character?
I think about the most dramatic lines that really show who Beast is. I also consider the author’s intent for the character from the original story.
How many theater productions have you been a part of?
Including Beauty and the Beast I’ve been in 2 musicals (Bye Bye Birdie)
If a student is thinking about trying out for a play, what advice do you have for them?
Have confidence always, especially when you don’t know what you’re doing. “Fake it ‘til you make it” is the only thing you need to know.
What are your postsecondary plans?
I plan to attend BYU Provo in Utah and major in either medicine or business.
Learn more and buy your tickets to an enchanted evening. November 3-5 and 10-11