Intimidated by the mystery of the Shakespearean language? Don’t be! BHS put on a production of the famous Shakespeare play Twelfth Night, and while the dialogue stayed true to the original, it was relievingly easy to understand. Twelfth Night is a typical Shakespearean comedy with quirky characters like Malvolio, and an iconic group of cousins. After rehearsing for a little over two months, and as often as four times a week, BHS pulled off a remarkable performance, with intricate set design and live music! Twelfth Night is about a set of twins, Viola and Sebastian who end up getting separated. Viola starts a new life in an unfamiliar town, dresses as a boy, and calls herself Cesario. Cesario works for Duke Orsino and ends up falling in love with him. Orsino however, is in love with another woman, Olivia, and sends Cesario to help him get the girl. Surprisingly, Olivia falls for Cesario instead. Eventually, the other twin Sebastian arrives causing mass confusion and mistaken identity. In the end, things get sorted out, Viola marries her love Orsino, and Olivia marries Sebastian. Throughout the play, there was a wide variety of props. Ranging from a rope that acted as a barrier around two characters that viciously fought each other, to scotch glasses filled with a mixture of water and cherry coke zero, all adding vital detail to the set. In addition to the wide range of props, there were also captivating costumes, with the majority favorite being Malvolio’s yellow suit. Along with an embellished set and costumes, there was some impressive choreography. One of the first scenes in the play was a 1920s style dance routine. It added a touch of vibrance to the play and was performed really well. Not to mention, the girls were wearing heels, so that added a lot to the difficulty. And lastly, there was live music! Four talented musicians acted as a jazz quartet and added so much to the aura of the set. Some of my favorite parts were the unique transitions from music being played through a speaker to the quartet playing live. Watching the play was a pleasure, and I encourage anyone who is interested to watch the next BHS production!

Are you considering acting in a BHS play but are nervous to audition? Well, after talking to Olivia Asmann, Emlyn Long, and Brigid Wolf, they informed me that the audition process is simple! They signed up for a time slot outside of the Black box, then grabbed an audition form. They recommend having some background knowledge of what the play is about and having an idea of what character you want to play. This way, you can deliver your lines exactly how you want. After that, all you have to do is show up! I also asked the three of them about feeling anxious to perform. They all recommend taking deep breaths, staying in the moment, relaxing yourself, and listening to music to give you some confidence. Olivia says, “Another trick is to try to convince yourself that the nerves you’re feeling are actually just excitement” (Olivia Asmann (24’)). This advice can not only be applied to performing, but also to any experience that might induce nerves. While performance anxiety may rise upon occasion, BHS does an excellent job at keeping that at a minimum. With the accepting, immersive environment the drama program provides, students feel welcome and comfortable. When will YOU sign up to be a part of BHS drama?