For all theater lovers, the Valparaiso High School (VHS) drama club is back at it again. On Thursday, April 13 VHS held a final dress rehearsal for its annual variety talent show, April Antics. Singers, dancers, actors, and musicians all came together on stage to put on an unforgettable show.
“It’s just really great because we have musicians and dancers and actors and artists--it’s the one show that no matter where your talent lies you can put it on stage together,” said Director Molly Oros.
Many people believe that April Antics is just another high school talent show, but that is far from the truth. Unlike a typical high school show, April Antics is created entirely by the students. The students write the show all on their own and nearly every single detail down to casting choices, theme, and lighting is left completely up to the students.
April Antics ultimately takes the idea of a high school production to the next level.
“The fact that the students get to make most of the decisions is so special. It really feels like it’s their show--not just some script they’re performing on stage. It’s something they actually have a voice in and something they’ve contributed to,” said Oros.
The students have been pouring themselves into this show since December when they started writing the script and developing the story. Each year the students pick out a theme to help tie all the different performances together, and right away the students knew they wanted to go with dreams.
“I love the flexibility of this year’s theme. It’s so easy to work things into dreams because dreams themselves are so random. The show is just all over the place in a fun way--there are scenes that make no sense and there are scenes with a lot of plot. It’s a lot but it’s so flexible and fun,” said Junior Madilyn O’Connell, who wrote several scenes.
Creating the show has helped the students grow immeasurably. Senior Graham Gibson, who was part of the writing-directing team as well as one of the main actors in the show, explained that he had to learn how to better communicate with his peers and become a leader.
Gibson also explained that the experience has taught him a lot about being part of a team. Not many students have an opportunity to do something like this, and it’s brought the VHS drama club closer together.
“I’m going to miss sitting backstage with people, especially the ones I don’t always get to be with a lot, and getting to spend time with them. When we’re back there our real selves come out. We get to see each other when we’re really stressed and when we’re really tired and when we’re really excited. There’s definitely a lot of bonding,” said Gibson.
After all their hard work and growth, the VHS drama club can’t wait for the community to enjoy their show.
“We all have such a deep passion for the theater world so getting to show this to our teachers, family, friends, and loved ones is really special. It’s great to put something out there that we’re proud of and that we’ve worked hard to create together,” said Gibson.
Senior Andrew Reyes explained that oftentimes April Antics gets overlooked by people because it’s very different each year and it’s not as well known in the community as some of VHS’ other shows. He wants to encourage everyone to not miss out--no show is given as much love and dedication as this one.
“I just want this show to receive just as much love as our other shows. There is so much more work and effort that goes into this than your average high school show and I really want people to come see all the blood, sweat, and tears that we put into this,” said Reyes.
So come on out this weekend to see these students’ hard work yourself--April Antics is a show you won’t want to miss. Shows will be held on Friday, April 14 and Saturday, April 15 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door and worth every single cent.
To learn more about Valparaiso High School and keep up with all its fun events, visit https://www.valpo.k12.in.us/.