The Belleville West Little Theatre is prepared for the Freshman-Sophomore show, The AI Play, written by Don Zolidis. The show is performed only by underclassmen and allows them a chance to experience theater for the first time in a new show every year.
“The show is about a girl called Eleanor, who uses AI to write her Great Gatsby paper, and because of that she gets into a really smart school. But it turns out this school is actually a jail and she and her new friends have to figure out how to escape it,” Student Director Ryann Gordon said.
Every year the Freshman-Sophomore show is directed by 2 senior students who are selected to run the show by themselves. These students choose the show, cast it, block it, and teach incoming underclassmen who are in the show.
“I love all my little actors, I think they’ve grown so much. Since starting it they were terrified and we even had to push the off-book date on them, and they still got it. We went off-book and they were solid, and they’re a very solid crew, and it’s very exciting to work with them.” Student Director Camryn Houk said.
As the show is directed entirely by students, the crew for the show also gets ready as it prepares for another show.
“The lighting for this show was a little tricky at first learning the new lighting system and board. But it is really cool seeing all the different colors and moving lights during the show, and the sound for this show adds to the ambiance of the story.” Stage Manager Lizzy Schauster said.
While cast and crew members are working hard to perform the show they are still working together to produce their show.
“I love it because everyone is so nice, and it’s such a great community and I feel like I’ve gotten a lot of theater experience in this time.” Sophomore Morgan Seagle said.
Actors for this show are also excited for the new play as they gain new experience in theater.
“I do recommend this show to people because it’s a comedic play so everyone in the play has really funny lines. Plus it’s a new play so not many people know about it so everyone in the audience will experience it together!” Sophomore Kaylee Caldwell said.
Belleville West is the first to perform the new play written by Zulidis, they still are excited to perform.
“Yes, I think people should see the show, it’s funny and on Thursday November 16th at 6:30. Tickets are $5 for students and $7 for adults!” Freshmen Bree Aplin said.
