With many Cherry Creek School District (CCSD) students wanting more in the drama world, the district created a new Honors Theater program to recognize their talent. It aims to expand their horizons in theater by providing new opportunities to students, with the aid of mentors in the district.
“We saw a need to add an Honors Theater, so our students have the same opportunities as some of their peers in the performing arts departments,” Honors Theater Playwrights Mentor Eric Eidson said.
Unlike traditional thespian troupes, which produce full length plays with two months of rehearsal, the new program consists of six 10-minute plays, each student-produced by their own cast, crew, director, playwright, stage manager, and dramaturg (an advisor who works with the production team.)
Middle and high school students who were interested in joining the program applied for a specific role through the CCSD website. Actors submitted a 2-minute video, technical members submitted a 2-minute portfolio video, and playwrights submitted a complete 10-minute play.
The new program will create new opportunities not seen previously in the normal thespian troupes currently offered in the district.
“These students will not only have the honor of being selected for this prestigious opportunity, but they will also get to work with top students from other schools, as well as professionals in the industry,” Eidson said. “Students selected for Honors Theater will get to attend workshops in their content area and also collaborate with other theater students and teachers across the district.”
Junior Katie Whitehead hopes the program will help her build more experience and help her for her college and career in theater.
“Honors Theater will allow me to make new connections specifically with other schools and other directors,” Whitehead said. “It will give me the chance to work with directors I haven’t worked with before, which will be an amazing experience and help me with my college resume.”
With allowing these students to have The faculty of the Theater program is hoping to give these students new doors for their future.
“Honor Theater gives students a new experience to collaboratively put on a production in a way they may not have experienced before.” Eidson said. “Every new theater experience is a great way of adding to a student’s resume, and we’re hoping this experience will not only challenge students, but excite them as they pursue this new opportunity.”