The theatre department is bringing “Little Women” to the stage. With rehearsals underway the cast and crew work tirelessly to ensure that the production is ready for opening night.

Director Brent Young has chosen to do a drama this year unlike the usual comedy shows. This presents a challenge for actors to perfect their character and really expand on their acting abilities.

“We do comedies most of the time so it’s time to do a dramatic play,” Young said. “I tend to try to do one of these every four years so a student gets the chance to be in a dramatic play while they’re in high school. It’s good to watch them get into the emotions of the characters.”

Students balance school, acting, and scheduling. Rehearsals started in January with cast and crew meeting every day to perfect their show. Unexpected weather has made the schedule more intense, but students manage to persevere.

“We’ve had some snow days and less time to rehearse than usual so I definitely understand the stress,” freshman cast member Victoria Farley said. “I think I’ve learned to manage my time a lot better by making sure I get my homework done in class or whenever I’m not on stage.”

The shift from comedic acting to dramatic can be a hard change for some. The depth required for a dramatic play such as “Little Women” can require more from the actors

“Dramatic acting can be harder because you have to actually act,” junior cast member Eve Moen said. “There’s real emotion involved, there’s death, and you don’t want to be insensitive to someone in the audience who has gone through that.”

Through this, Moen and other upperclassmen are able to help any underclassmen who might need guidance when it comes to their acting.

“It’s all about confidence,” Eve said. “Acting is scary, but I tell the underclassmen that if they mess up a line or forget some blocking, it’s okay. No one in the audience knows what’s supposed to happen—they just watch and enjoy the show.”

The crew has been putting in long hours to make sure things such as lighting, props, costume, and set all run smoothly.

“I do sometimes stay after school to help with the set, because I know it’s a lot of work,” junior cast member Jayden Southerland said. “They put so much time and effort into it that it’s amazing every single time.”

Opening night will be this Friday at seven. Students who attend will receive Olympic points. Tickets are available online or at the door. https://www.bmchs.org/student-life/spring-play