A NOTE FROM THE PRODUCER:
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen!
Experimental theatre, such as you will see this evening, began in Western theatre in the late 19th century as a rejection of both the age in particular and, in general, the dominant ways of writing and producing plays. The term has shifted over time as the mainstream theatre world has adopted many forms that were once considered radical.
For the MCHS Thespian Troupe, experimental theatre is very simply “trying something new”! “Something new” comes in many different forms. Many of our freshmen get their first opportunity on the experimental stage. Trying their hand at performance, public communication and memorization. As our students’ mature in the process, they have the opportunity to hone their theatrical skill sets. Two of our students are directing this evening and one is experiencing her first venture into stage management. Still others, take this opportunity to prepare and perfect their university and professional auditions.
This year the theme of our experimental theatre project focuses on monologues and dialogues. Performing a monologues is a tremendous task because you are the only one on stage. Success depends solely on you – your walk, talk, body language, interpretation and delivery of the message, and relationship with the audience. In each case, the student is asked to prepare to do something new; i.e., a new vocal accent, physical feature, emotion, ethnicity, or performance type. Each have surpassed expectations in their efforts and product.
The final product this year is seen in each student – a more well-rounded, versatile actor, technical and support staff.
Kind regards,
Dr. Woodiel
