Competition season arrives for the cast and crew of Belleville West Little Theatre’s 2024 Contest Drama, Rabbit Hole, by Tom Dudzick.
Each year, Little Theatre produces five productions, all of which are viewable by the public and consist of varying genres plus a new cast and crew consisting of all grade levels. These shows consist of Fall Play, Freshman-Sophomore One Acts, Children’s Show, Contest Drama, and the Spring Musical.
“The play is about a married couple, Becca (senior Ryann Gordon) and Howie (junior Eric Perschbacher), who are dealing with the loss of a child. Becca especially is having a difficult time processing her grief, and that is causing the two people to drift apart,” director Mr. John Lodle said.
Additionally, Little Theatre brings the show from the script to the stage when paired with their technical crew, which this year, is led by English teacher and speech coach Mr. Tyler Herron.
“Something I noticed is that it can get so chaotic and hectic putting everything together that we tend to focus on the things we’re not doing right. I hope by competition we’re congratulating each other more, smiling at each other more, and thanking each other for the work that we’re putting in because if one person’s missing this all falls apart,” technical director Mr. Herron said.
Accompanying Mr. Herron is a new, diverse technical crew consisting of technicians both new and returning from all grade levels.
“Adding tech just makes the whole thing come together and everyone feels really confident in what they’re doing,” student director Camryn Houk said.
Furthermore, with Contest Drama’s many set builders and backstage technicians comes a new and very selective cast.
“It’s such a small show–it really gives you a chance to refine your acting and really grow and challenge yourself as an actor,” cast member Theo Rickert said.
In addition to the many possibilities for both cast and crew, getting involved with the annual Contest Play is simple and accessible to anyone in the student body.
“All you gotta do is fill out the application that’s posted on the student bulletin then show up–and make sure you come to the workdays so you get put on crew,” technician Abby Siegel said.
Hard work from cast, crew, and directors culminates in a 45-minute production available to the public for viewing.
“The evening performance of the contest play will be held on Thursday, March 14, at 7:00pm in the BW Performing Arts Center,” Mr. Lodle said.
