With scripts in hand and songs prepared, upper school students gathered in the RBG courtyard Aug. 27 to audition for the upper school musical. Arts teacher Samara Kelly said this year’s choice, “Mamma Mia!,” has added an extra layer of excitement due to its popularity amongst Archer students.
“We do weigh in student interest because if there’s a buy-in from the beginning, you don’t have to get them on board for something,” Kelly said.
The upper school musical cast list was posted Saturday, Aug. 31. Sophia Calne (25), Abby Borstein (25), Selah Johnson (26), and Bryce Collis (25) are playing Sophie Sheridan, Ali, Lisa, and Donna, respectively.
Sophomore Beatrice Washburn said for many students, the upper school musical serves as a rite of passage. She said participating in the musical allows students to gain acting experience and explore their love for theater.
“When I was in seventh grade, I did the play, and it was really fun. So I did the musical, and then I just developed a total love of theater,” Washburn said. “Now that I’m in tenth grade, it’s a tradition [to do the musical].”
Kelly provided students with resources to prepare for auditions in early August. After choosing the show, Kelly said she typically researches character breakdowns, students’ vocals and considers the important qualities each actor should embody. Freshman Sadie White said she started to practice for her audition immediately after she received the musical details because she wanted to feel as prepared as possible.
“I met with my vocal coach about a week and a half before, and we did a couple of sessions leading up to the audition,” White said. “I also just recorded myself singing, just to see how I sound.”
Kelly gave each participant 45 to 60 seconds to perform any song from a musical. Washburn said she and other underclassmen chose to aim for ensemble roles rather than major parts. She said she appreciated having less restrictive guidelines when auditioning.
“Auditions are a little scary because they’re all watching you, and that one little snippet [you sing] determines what part you’re going to get,” Washburn said. “But by this point, I’ve done it so many times that I don’t feel scared — it’s great.”
According to Medium, extracurriculars can have a negative impact on mental health for high school students by fostering unhealthy competition between peers. White said she had the opposite experience, saying she believes the Archer theater community is collaborative.
“There isn’t any competition at all. It’s a very good, welcoming community,” White said. “I think we’re all out there to support and uplift each other.”
Washburn said the camaraderie that takes place during auditions extends beyond the stage. She said she feels constant support from her teachers and peers throughout the audition process.
“I genuinely feel like there’s a pretty good community because there’s a lot of us that do theatre a lot, and so we know the gist of it, and we’re pretty supportive towards each other,” Washburn said. “We just go in, audition, and tell everyone to break a leg.”
The students will have their first rehearsal Wednesday, Sept. 4, and will perform in the Blackbox Theatre Nov. 15 and 16. Kelly said she is excited to see the production come to life after auditions.
“My favorite aspect is the unexpected,” she said. “Watching them bring in the technical skills they’ve learned — it blows me away.”
Kelly said she witnessed the personal growth of her students. She said she sees students develop their individual performance skills, confidence and bonds with one another.
“I like that the students are growing, learning, changing and getting better at their craft. A whole year goes by, and it’s a whole [lot] of change,” Kelly said. “Watching them stand in their power and show their potential in the moment sometimes — it gives me chills, or will bring tears to my eyes.”
