BY CHRISTINA ULAJ
Clarkston News Staff Writer
Just days before the curtain rises and the faculty and students are working hard to prepare themselves for opening night.
The CHS faculty is putting on their annual play, a tradition that goes back about 25 years. The hard work and dedication is not only for entertainment purposes, but also to raise money for student drama scholarships and to purchase items for the faculty that may be difficult to fit into the district’s budget.
‘Last year we gave away $1500 in scholarships,? said Richard Erhardt, Fearless Faculty Footlighter Coordinator and a part of the Social Studies Department. ‘We also purchased refrigerators and microwaves for faculty workrooms.?
The faculty tries to get everyone on staff involved. In the past, teachers from all departments and custodians were cast to put on a comedy.
The ‘Fearless Faculty Footlighters? as they are called, work along with students this season to bring the fabulous life of pageants to the high school stage.
Night of The Living Beauty Pageant is a spoof on pageants and includes bad guys, loan sharks and two take-it-and-run producers. This year, Clarkston High School decided to include students in the production as a means to draw support from the student body while raising more money toward the scholarships.
When preparing for the show, faculty and students involved don’t get to go home when the bell rings.
‘We started rehearsing when school began and we chose the play and set the cast during the spring season,? said Erhardt. ‘We are not professionals, but we do the best we can because this is a tradition and we don’t want it to die.?
Rehearsals take place right after school, proving that these participants unquestionably have their work cut out for them. With 27 cast members, direction is key.
‘I have been directing plays for Clarkston High School for ten years,? said Marlene Sewick, production director and retired elementary teacher from the school district. ‘I’m excited about opening night because there is a little bit of edge with the actors and it’s always a great performance.?
Students involved in this year’s production are thrilled to be working with Sewick and many know her from other theatrical organizations.
‘This is my first time acting with the faculty and I think it’s awesome,? said Heidi Bretz, CHS sophomore. ‘Marlene Sewick is our director and that’s cool because she is also my producer for The Clarkston Village Players Youth Theater during the summer, so it’s fun to be working with her.?
Night of The Living Beauty Pageant opens Nov. 12 and 13 at 7:30 PM. The play will be in the CHS auditorium. Tickets are $4 for students and $6 for adults.