"Mean Girls" lead, Clara Lappan, performs in last year's production of "The Music Man." Photo cred: Watauga Yearbook
Anna Norris, Sports Desk Lead for The Powderhorn
The Watauga High School’s theater department is reaching new heights with their upcoming production of “Mean Girls” this upcoming spring. Since the musical’s announcement last spring, students have been working hard to practice challenging choreography, lines, and character portrayal that come with the show. Flex and after school practices have been utilized by the cast to exhibit their best performances for auditions.
The theater department at Watauga exemplifies cooperation, hard work, and talent. Although students were auditioning for selective spots, many took the opportunity to help each other with running lines and preparing for auditions. This year's production of "Mean Girls" is guaranteed to exceed expectations.
“From the moment 'Mean Girls' was announced at Trimellas I was locked in,” said Clara Lappan, junior, playing the role of Cady Heron. “We sang every song over and over and over, together, we all just sang together. I think that was kind of instrumental in getting where I needed to be - to be convincing at your auditions, you got to know what you're doing and have a strong foundation to reasonably fall back on in the event that you get nervous. Work on your character like it's yours. I also attended all the FLEX sessions for musical prep that I could, and that made all the difference.”
The excitement among the cast can only be described as plentiful as they begin to workshop the musical. Uniquely, for the "Mean Girls" production, students blindly auditioned and let the judges cast them.
“I had kind of always hoped I would be cast as Cady,” said Lappan. “Her personality, vocal register, and just style of existence are very similar to how I see myself. This is my first time having the lead role in any production I've ever been in, and I am over the moon.”
The cast’s focus and determination for the success of their roles come from high, theatrical standards. They hope to bring out as many people to this year's production in the spring. As aspiring actors and actresses, they work hard to bring the audience an enjoyable experience.
“What I feel to be expected from me as Damian is to bring the fire and fury and excitement to the show,” said William Greene, junior, who will play Damian Leigh. “Be the guy that you can’t wait to see the cause of his comedic style and attitude. But also from me doing this for 3 years is to be a role model and help out others, and do as much as I can to make sure everyone is in a safe and comfortable environment.”
Many actresses struggle to add depth to their characters while taking on a new role. In the movie and musical, "Mean Girls" creates the stereotypical high school social hierarchy.
“Regina is already a very well-known character, which makes it exciting, but also slightly daunting to have this role,” said Jovie Cornell, sophomore, who will play Regina George. “I need to be able to add to this character without taking away what is already loved about her. During rehearsals, it is expected that I work with and for my castmates by paying attention to the people and needs around me, and doing the best that I can to prepare to share our work.”
Being yourself in auditions on and off stage can be challenging, but many cast members urge new actors and actresses to fill character roles as themselves and not through expectations.
“Theatre requires you to put yourself out there in ways that can be intimidating, especially if you haven't done something like it before, or if you are worried about what others may think,” said Cornell. “Willingness to be bold and do your best work is hard, but it will make you stand out in a positive way because it shows that you are confident in yourself and care about what you are doing.”
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