Watertown High has talent for performing under any circumstances
Free tickets available for spring cabaret night May 20 in Shaw Auditorium
May 11, 2021
This past year, the pandemic has affected all after-school programs, including the theater program. Each year, Watertown High School teachers and students put their talents together to express themselves and put on shows for the Watertown community. It’s important for the performers, staff, and crew to put on shows.
So how did they pull off a show this year? What is to come from the theater program as the pandemic continues?
As Watertown High Schools theater director, Kacie Kirkpatrick faced challenges when putting on the fall show, “The Crucible,” which was shot outside and via Zoom.
“Seeing that this was some of the seniors’ last show and wouldn’t get the full experience in person was hard, but luckily so many kids were really excited to be involved,” she said.
She said it was hard not seeing things come together outside of a Zoom rehearsal.
“It was hard to miss that connection in one space … and missing that energy from the audience,” she said.
To see the show come together over a screen left Ms. Kirkpatrick “really proud of seeing the kids work so hard, it was emotional to see all the effort put together in the end.”
According to Ms. Kirkpatrick, everyone had a good time and were excited to do something, even though it was difficult. Everyone had adapted to Zoom for remote “storytelling.” Though everyone, including Ms. Kirkpatrick, had missed feelings and connection from in person performing and rehearsing.
As the pandemic continues, what does Ms. Kirkpatrick and the theater program have planned? She doesn’t plan on doing any musical or show on Zoom again. Although she was extremely proud of the outcome, as a director the show on Zoom was a great stresser for her and even her cast and crew.
Instead, the program is working on staging a spring cabaret (a show of lone performers presenting pieces of songs, monologue, scenes) on Thursday, May 20, at 7 p.m. The performance will be free in the Shaw Auditorium at Watertown High with seating limited to 100 audience members.
To reserve tickets, follow this RSVP link.
–May 11, 2021–
