Students at SJHS have the opportunity to audition for this school year’s musical sometime in January or February. Not every student has what it takes to be a drama queen (or king). But if a student really wants to, it is suggested that they have a good voice, and take dance lessons of any kind.
Last year, the musical The Fiddler on the Roof, was in the fall. But that means auditioning at the end of the previous school year, and rehearsals in the summer. This year the musical will be in the spring. According to Mrs. Leslie Walker, the choir director at SJHS, and the soon-to-be school musical director, “Depending on the play (I pick), the auditions will either be near the end of January or the beginning of February.”
The reason students audition or don’t audition normally depends on what musical will be presented. Mrs. Walker has been choosing between High School Musical Jr. and Bye Bye Birdie.
What if Mrs. Walker chooses High School Musical Junior? Students have different opinions about High School Musical. Kaity Hansen, an eighth grader, said, “I love it! It’s my favorite movie!” The reason students like or don’t like High School Musical could have something to do with Zac Efron, who plays Troy Bolton in the movie.
Another change taking place with the school musical is that Mapleton will not be invited to audition because they are doing a Shakespeare production at the same time. That also means that Mrs. Erin Bailey, the Mapleton choir teacher, will not be helping this year like she did the last school year.
What is a school musical without choreography and a choreographer? The choreographer for this upcoming production will be Ms. Tyne Valgardsen, who choreographed Beauty and the Beast three years ago.
Being in the school musical can be an awesome experience for students. It’s a chance to meet new people, learn new things and come outside of their comfort zone.