Theatre Day draws nearly 200 high school students

Madison Kinney of Gering, Nebraska, said although it was her first year teaching the set painting workshop, it was rewarding because a student and his teacher decided they were going to paint wood panels for their theatre production instead of buying them because of the skills they learned.

Olivia Freeze of Bridgeport, Nebraska, taught the workshop about adopting a persona. She said it was interesting to see students take from each other's ideas and alter some aspects to make the character their own. 

“I love Theatre Day because it allows the high school students to learn things about theatre that I wish I would've known in high school. I like seeing students from the previous year and seeing how much they've improved. Theatre Day reminds me why I am going into education,” Freeze said.

Halle Smith of Wheatland, Wyoming, said her first time teaching a session for Theatre Day was exciting because it gave her a chance to share what makes her passionate about theatre. She creates content and curates the Theatre program’s Instagram account.

“This was the first time we had a workshop focused on publicity, which I combined with an existing workshop about stage pictures. The biggest ‘aha moment’ the students had was that it is possible to take what they are learning in the workshops and apply it at their own school. Many of the students talked about trying to grow the publicity side of theatre at their schools and they were excited to be actively involved in it,” Smith said.

Jeremiah Downes, instructor of Theatre at CSC, said Theatre Day is special because the high school students have the opportunity to be on campus, meet faculty and current students, and work with them in a learning setting.

“Coming here and actually getting to be here with feet on the ground on campus is invaluable. We are really excited to have all the students and their teachers here and make those connections and impress upon them the unique Theatre program we have here and how special Chadron State is,” Downes said.

Denise Jensen with Gering High School said it was her first year bringing students, based on a recommendation from the previous coach who attended the event for years.

“The students learn how to be on stage, character development, and stage development,” Jensen said.

Wendy Rhoads with Chadron High School said her students especially enjoy learning the techniques of stage combat.

“Nothing is better than stage combat. I think CSC could offer six classes in stage combat and each one would be full. If the students can fight and have it be fun, that's a bonus,” Rhoads said. “The kids love Theatre Day because most of them have not seen a musical. It shows them all the different aspects of theatre they might not see otherwise.”

Suzanne Hollenbeck, drama director at Edgemont, South Dakota, is starting her 34^th year in the position. She said she has been bringing students to the event for decades and they always come away with increased excitement for theatre. 

“We have a really small stage, and limited things we can do, so it's fun to come here and watch the lighting and the musical theatre. The kids let loose when they do the improv workshop. Last year our kids did makeup. They had fake bruises and cuts all over them that looked real. They bring that technical information back home,” Hollenbeck said.

Cassie Wiegel with Mitchell High School said the diversity of the workshops from behind the stage to on stage is a benefit. Sue Marsh, also from Mitchell, said the chance to meet and work with other actors and actresses is a great experience for students.