Yanni Kousidis, Staff Writer
“We put the spotlight on ability” that is the slogan of the recently formed Unified Theatre Club at Newtown High School. Unified Theatre allows any student to come be a part of an original production. The script is written by the students, and everybody gets a place in the play. Before the meetings are open to all students, a group of six student leaders meet to decide the theme and logistics of the play. These leaders make their choices on theme, fundraising, and awareness spreading, and then the students that sign up make their choices for sets, scripts, song choice, and more along with the leaders.
Unified Theater gives all students a chance to improve on something. Some students get the chance to improve their leadership skills, while other students simply come out of their shell a little bit by trying something that they would otherwise not. Each element of a Unified Theater production is controlled by a student, with teachers only supervising. Students must act as writers, directors, lighting chiefs, choreographers, fundraisers, musicians, producers, stage managers, actors and more. While nearly every other theatre program requires some sort of try out, unified theatre requires only a will to learn and have fun.
The theme tries to focus on things that a high school student can relate to in order to make the play more powerful. This gives the students a chance to express themselves, and perform better in the play.
In Unified Theatre, there are no ‘buddies’ or ‘helpers’, everybody is treated equally, and given a fair chance to grow independently. Each person that signs up will be given the chance to find a spot that fits their wants and needs.
Ms. Janice Gabriel, the supervisor of the club, has been working with the children of NHS for the last three years, but has begun teaching this year.“It is an amazing chance for people to get involved, it gives a person that is not a normal ‘theatre kid’ a chance to get involved in a production.” Gabriel said.
Unified Theatre values collaboration and making an impact on the lives of students. These things matter much more than the final impact of the play. This all leads to a low stress environment where any student can have fun and be part of a group effort.
The informational meeting for Unified Theatre will be held on January 20th, and will run from 2:15 to 2:45, with time for questions included. Ms. Gabriel’s e-mail address is gabrielj@newtown.k12.ct.us. and she is always happy to answer questions.
Photo Credit; NHS Facebook Page