From August 22nd-24th, Ayala Theater Productions held auditions for the upcoming Peter Pan play in the theater room after school with the theater teacher, Mrs. Madeleine Sherratt. The audition looked for potential cast members that would show their talents and skills to portray the wonders of Peter Pan, with the hope to bring sparks to the viewers eyes throughout the big show.
The choice of this play was recommended by students from last year knowing that Peter Pan is a well-known story to most and that it would be different from previous productions on campus.
“It’s a fantasy, which is different than anything that I’ve ever done before and the size of the cast is just ginormous for a fall play,” Mrs. Sherratt said.
During the audition, Mrs. Sherratt looked for a cast of performers that would have the skills and determination to embody their character.
“I’m usually looking for somebody with a lot of enthusiasm who’s super committed to doing a good job,” Mrs. Sherratt said. “I’m looking for people who are talented but I’m also looking for people who I feel can be trained and coached into their roles, and that starts with enthusiasm and willingness to learn.”
As for those who auditioned, many students, like Keira Vista (11), were nervous and unprepared, but from beginning to end, students were able to receive support from their peers. Even though each student who auditioned may have felt intimidated by other people auditioning, it is recommended to know the performers who are going to be working on future performances and events.
“Because there’s three audition days, it’s best to go all three days to see not only who’s going to audition for the character that you’re going for, but to see who could possibly be your cast that you have to work with,” Vista said.
Along with the Peter Pan cast, there are opportunities to work as part of the backstage crew. The crew members manage building and designing sets and props, costume designing, and doing makeup. To enhance the outlook of the play, technology and props are used to liven up the stage. With the different lighting, sound effects, and sets, it will allow the viewers to be more in depth with the show. Backstage positions also allow students to be a part of the production even if they were not selected for a specific role in the cast.
“We have different types of lights that we use to change them. They also use sound effects that put you deeper into the scene,” Ayala Tech Crew member Devi Bhatt (11) said.
For the preparations, there will be many rehearsals taking place to make the performance perfect and represent the story of Peter Pan in a way many people recognize. With the makeup and costumes, it will take up plenty of time to make sure there aren’t any flaws on the actors once they get on stage.
“I’d say maybe two hours [go into prep] before every show just to get through everyone because it’s a pretty big cast,” Bhatt said.
With many contributors working on the play, many of the production coordinators agree that the school would enjoy the show, just as much as they will enjoy being a part of it.
As fall approaches, the mystical Peter Pan play will be seen by many students, but as of right now, Ayala theater is going to continue to prepare for the show.
“[The students’] friends are the ones that make up the cast and crew and plays here at Ayala, [they are] wildly impressed that they’re completely student-run,” Mrs. Sherratt said.
