Lucy Walker, Aubrey Spaulding, Rumi Peterson, Will Garrett, Alex Barr, Molly Smith, and Cora Jones perform their original show, Acts of Love.
Acts of Love is an original show written and choreographed by the WHS Playmakers. The show displays three different types of love: platonic, romantic, and self-love. The devised play consists of three acts that each have a new story and conflict.
“We decided on doing a show that was heartwarming, satisfying, happy, and made people feel something,” said Playmaker Kirra Laws-Bush.
Writing an original show is a large endeavor, especially for a group of high school students. But, the Playmakers took on the challenge and got to work.
“The trials and tribulations of writing your own show is incredibly difficult,” said Playmaker Lucy Walker. “And personally I wasn't that interested in doing it at the beginning.”
The Playmakers split up into groups and devised something quite special. According to Lucy Walker, they were changing things even the week before the show’s debut.
“But I loved it,” Walker said. “It was so fun to devise something and know that we made this from scratch.”
Since the Playmakers had to wear masks while performing, they were worried that their voices would not be heard during performances. However, they innovatively created a prerecorded voiceover of the show.
“For the choreography we were working with choreographing to music as well as dialogue,” said Playmaker Avery Smith.
Smith and Peyton Walton created the choreography for the show.
“I got to work with Peyton on choreography a lot which was super fun,” said Smith. “I enjoy bringing together two of my favorite things, theater and dance.”
Lighting was another essential part of the show and helped to continue the story.
“To me the lighting is one of the most important aspects of this show. It moves with the actors, and sometimes it guides their path,” Alyssa Cahan said. “My goal with the design was to make it feel alive, and like it was a part of the world, and not just an aid for the story. “
Cahan was awarded $48,000 in scholarships at the state competition for her lighting concept. The judges were also impressed with Acts of Love and the message it conveyed.
“When we finished our show, the judges were pretty speechless. One of the judges had nothing she thought needed to be fixed,” Walker said.
The Playmakers are grateful for a piece that has touched audience members from all walks of life.
“For the judges to understand our work and for us to touch them, was something I will never forget,” Walker said. “We were so humbled and awed that we could bring emotion to people from all ages, and that we could show people that they are not alone, by love.”
The WHS Playmakers won at the regional NCTC competition. Additionally, they took home numerous special awards: Excellence in Music Composition to Aubrey Spaulding, Excellence in Stage Management to Alex Newmark, Excellence in Light Design to Alyssa Cahan, Excellence in Sound Design to Rory Green and Tommie Freudlich, Excellence in Physicality to the ensemble, Outstanding Achievement in Ensemble Work, Director Award to Zach Walker, and Most Distinguished Play.
Playmakers excelled at the state competition. Director Zachary Walker said that it was the cast’s best run yet! Awards are as follows: Spirit Festival Award, Theatre Arts Award, Outstanding Achievement in Devised Theatre, Excellence in Sound Design to Rory Greene and Tommie Freundlich, Outstanding Achievement in Light Design to Alyssa Cahan, C.C. Lipscomb Award for Excellence in Directing to Zachary Walker, and Outstanding Achievement in Ensemble Acting.
Being a part of Playmakers is a thrilling experience for many and one of the best parts of high school for those interested in drama.
“This year, I finally got to experience being a Playmaker, being in the class, in the ‘club’. And it has been one of the best experiences of my high school career,” Walker said. “The people and the atmosphere is the most caring and safest place I have ever been in and I have created the best friendships.”
Congratulations to the WHS Playmakers on a great year so far! If you see a Playmaker in the hall, make sure to tell them we are proud of them.
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