Theatre can be dated back centuries, appearing in various forms of expression. Plays like Romeo and Juliet or Hamlet by Shakespeare are some of the most well-known plays to date. Today, the term theatre is used to describe a performance on stage from a cast of actors and actresses. In Cannon Falls, the high school theatre department has gotten smaller over the years, but it still grows a small amount.
This year, the theatre department has five new sixth graders taking the stage: Elsie Karlstad, Norah LaFollette, Phebe Lundell, Leo Nygaard, and Charlie VenOsdel. Because these members are new this year, it’s up to the older members of the theatre to help them out with a variety of things. Axel Lundell, a theatre member of three years, says he tries to be a leader for younger students. “I always try to be a good example, being quiet backstage, projecting, cheating out, whatever that helps them learn,” Lundell said.
One big responsibility of older members is teaching new members traditions, whether it be warm-ups or games. Another important thing for new members to learn is strategies for acting. As Lundell mentioned, cheating out is important. Cheating out is when actors talk to other actors on stage but turn to the audience slightly so they are still heard. Because it feels unnatural, it can be difficult for new members. As they gain confidence, it’s also important to project their voices, another skill that can be difficult for new members.
Making sure new members feel included and welcomed in the theatre is very important in creating a successful show and a fun experience. Theater member Amanda McDonald gave her opinion on the theater crew. “I feel very positive about this group, because we are really just a big family,” McDonald said.
Although she is not new to theatre, she has only been part of the theatre group for a year. It’s good to have new members’ opinions on how the group functions. Many of them have found enjoyment in the club. New theater member Norah LaFollette offered her opinion. “Theatre is the best, and I love it,” LaFollette said.
The older students in theatre have their own opinions on the newcomers. When asked what she thinks of having new members, four-year theatre member Anya Nygaard had a reaction. “I think it is a great thing because the more people we have, the better shows we can do,” Nygaard said.
With a bigger cast, the theatre department can perform more well-known plays, which have the potential to draw more people to join, allowing for bigger plays and a continuous cycle. New members of the theatre are crucial to the program and the success of the theatre department. Because of new members, traditions can be passed down, games can still be played, shows will still make history, even if it’s only Cannon Falls history, and the show will still go on.
