Currently, the Hayes theater department’s upcoming musical has started to kick off production, with auditions having occurred the third week of January, and rehearsals beginning soon after castings were finalized.
Auditioning students were required to prepare a reading and multiple songs to showcase their skills. As well as familiarizing themselves with those materials, they were also required to learn some choreography, and then attend a dance audition for it. Scores from all three components were then compiled to make casting decisions.
“The audition process is pretty extensive,” drama director Tracy Cinereski said.
Aside from this, there were also various other aspects that students could have aimed for. Crew positions with stage-prep and technology were also available.
“[You] have an interview… [where] the directors ask [you] what type of crew [you] would prefer; like hair and makeup, stage, and sound,” returning crew member Stanley Salyers said.
Many different roles and processes go into assembling the show in a step-by-step process, beginning with choosing the musical.
Prior to winter break, the directors announced that the upcoming musical would be “Descendants,” a family-friendly musical developed from the popular film franchise of the same name.
The musical’s identity was debated over, having to take things like licensing and casting requirements into account, with the summer and year prior to its announcement spent considering suitable shows for the upcoming production. In the end, it came down to what show would best fit the current thespian troupe.
“Hayes doesn’t usually do productions like Descendants… [but] I’m still really excited to watch the show come together, and get to bond with everybody,” Salyers said.
Considering the amount of effort necessary for the musical, there are many aspects of the team involved in it. The cast in itself puts in work, alongside the pit orchestrated by Mr. Fowles, the crewmembers, and the directory staff.
Alongside the change of pace with the musical, a number of new changes are occurring to the actual production staffing.
Last summer, the former choir and drama director, Dara Gillis, retired from the district, leaving the positions vacant. So, for Cinereski, who has been involved with the district for several years prior, this is her first year as the director for both programs.
“I was trying to think about something that would be a good contrast to the shows that [the department has] done in the past few years,” Cinereski said. “Being able to direct the show this year is a huge honor, and I feel privileged and excited about working with these students, and hopefully [putting on] a really fun show.”
Additionally, Abigail Jenkins has also joined the choirs and theater department at the high school this year, as the assistant vocal director.
With the new administration, cast, and family-friendly vibe of the musical, the production is aiming to be a unique, fresh change of pace for the district and show-goers. Considering this, the promotion for it has plans to stretch across several crowds and mediums.
“I know we’re hoping to maybe get out to the elementaries… for some preview performances for them,” assistant drama director Amanda Johnson said.
The musical will be performed March 19-21 in the Hayes auditorium. Tickets will be sold on the Delaware Hayes Thespians website.
“We want people to bring their families,” Johnson said. “[The theater department] will be working hard… and we hope to put on a great show.”
