By Oliver Parks, Staff Writer
For many, high school can be seen as a dramatic or emotional time. But for StageKraft Theatre kids, it quite literally is – and they wouldn’t have it any other way. Nighthawk News caught up with a few StageKraft seniors just before their final show, so let’s see what these bright, shining stars have to say:
Q: What’s your favorite thing about theater?
Johnathan Rawls
My favorite thing about theater is the people. We’ve created a close, tight-knit community, and I’ve met a lot of my closest friends through it.
Saturn Manning
My favorite thing about theater is the entire community! A few years ago, it was really intimidating to be in theater because of how higher classmen/lead actors used to treat lower classmen and ensemble, but the community has improved a lot and I think everybody is really sweet to each other, even the directors and teachers. The people with me in theater have helped improve my confidence a lot throughout the years because of how accepting and outgoing everyone is.
Alex Livingston
I’ve always loved the community, especially as someone who just moved to the Outer Banks this last year. The people are some of the most welcoming and friendly people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.
Q: What first got you to join/participate in theater?
Johnathan Rawls
I was very shy – I still am – but I wanted to increase my confidence, so I took theater class with Mrs. (Monica) Penn. It was actually her who convinced me to get on the stage and start acting, and I’m quite glad I did.
Saturn Manning
I’d like to say my friend Skylar, who’s now moved away, was what actually got me into doing theater. I was also probably under the influence of other friends as well, but mostly Skylar.
Alex Livingston
My junior year, I had two friends who were in tech that practically forced me to join them on the second production. My entire family has done musicals and plays and I didn’t really think I’d ever have the ability to do one, but hey, I gave it a shot and now here I am three shows later.
Q: Do you have any intentions to continue participating in theater after high school, in local theater groups or other official groups?
Johnathan Rawls
Yes, I want to try and minor in performing arts, but I’d at least like to continue acting as a hobby if nothing else because it’s super fun to do, and gets me out of my comfort zone.
Saturn Manning
I’m not completely sure that I plan on doing anything in local theater groups and such, but I do like to think that I’ll continue doing theater classes/clubs in college still.
Alex Livingston
I’m definitely gonna join some productions at BYU-Idaho. I’ve also thought once or twice about joining the sketch comedy group up there as a writer.
Q: What words of encouragement would you say to any freshmen or other newcomers who might be interested in learning more about joining StageKraft?
Johnathan Rawls
I’d say just go for it! It’s terribly nerve-wracking at first, but it gets easier over time. But you don’t have to be on stage if it’s not your forte. There are many backstage positions available, and that’s where I actually started. Working backstage is just as important as acting, and it can be incredibly fun as well.
Saturn Manning
Theater can be very intimidating to join, especially if you were shy like I was when joining. But you end up making a lot of friends and nobody ever judges you. They’re all there to help you improve.
Alex Livingston
Be confident. A lot of the time it can be intimidating seeing so many other people with more experience, but everyone in theater will be there to help if you get nervous or mess up.
Senior Oliver Parks can be reached at 23parksol67@daretolearn.org.
