The Times Advocate, 2008-04-30, Page 3232
Times–Advocate
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
South Huron students prepare "Our Town"
"OurTown" — Rehearsing Monday for her role as
Mrs.Webb in "OurTown" is Maggie Ainslie.
By Allison Neeb
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES -ADVOCATE
EXETER — Things are busy in the drama room at
South Huron District High School this
month as the finishing touches are
placed on the production of "Our
Town."
All involved have worked tirelessly
all year to prepare for the May
showing and their efforts have cer-
tainly paid off.
Over the last few years the drama
department has boasted diverse dramatic
works — from an original play by former
drama teacher Ms. Burrell, "Return to
Eden" — to the well known Shakespearean
work, "Romeo and Juliet."
And this year, the cast of talented actors in
"Our Town" have been able to explore the limits of
theatre like never before.
After seeing only one rehearsal it is clear to me how
ambitious this year's school show is. Written in the late
1930s by Thornton Wilder and first performed in
1938, "Our Town" is a story about the lives of citizens
in "small town America."
At the time of its conception, the brand of theatre
created by "Our Town" was innovative with a script
that has held the test of time. Even today, "Our Town"
Rehearsal — Students at South Huron District High School are busy getting ready for their pro-
duction of Thornton Wilder's "OurTown," which will be performed at the school May 6-9.
Above left are Marcus Haccius (playing the stage manager) Charlotte Anderson (Mrs. Gibbs)
and Ethan Deichert (Howie Newsome). (photos/Scott Nixon)
is still a popular play with schools and
amateur groups making it a perfect fit
for this year's school show.
The cast includes a range of stu-
dent performers from Grades 9 to
returning Grade 12s. But even with
the age differences among some of
the cast, working has brought them together and they
share amazing camaraderie in and out of the drama
room. Many cast members echo this sentiment, saying
how there are many inside jokes that have came about
during their months of rehearsal.
Rebecca Green, a student stage manager talks about
the cast, saying they are "really talented."
But it is also true that the play would not be possible
without the help of parent volunteers, teachers and
crew members who have dedicated their time to make
this year's production run as smoothly as possible.
Green also praises Ms. Jantzi, the drama teacher at
South Huron for doing "an excellent job casting
because each actor fits well with their role."
Many cast members also talk about the amount of
support from the community and the opportunities
that have been presented because of the annual school
play. Marcus Haccius speaks about these opportunities
by saying, "You don't get the same experience in any
other production. We have such a tight -knit group that
there is a lot of trust between every actor and that's
the most important thing to have."
Many of the cast say they hope the audience will feel
the same way they do about the play. And as Marcus
Haccius says, "Our Town" is "a play that can change
your life with its message."
The South Huron District High School production of
"Our Town" runs May 6-9. Tickets are on sale now for
$7 and can be bought in the office and main foyer
before and after school. Call 235-0880 to order tickets
or for additional information.
— Allison Neeb is a student at South Huron District
High School
Board "excited"aboutpartnership potential
By Stew Slater
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES -ADVOCATE
STRATFORD — Feeling pressured on the eve of a
high-profile speech to their employees, trustees of the
Avon Maitland District School Board backed off from
what could have been a precedent -setting agreement
to allow a human rights organization preferential
access to school information services.
"They're looking for some income from it as well, so
I'm just wondering if we shouldn't qualify it some-
how," suggested Stratford trustee Doug Pratley
regarding a proposed agreement between the board
and Canadian -based Free the Children.
The organization was founded in 1995 by Craig
Kielburger — himself a child at the time — and has
gone on to work worldwide for the alleviation of child
poverty and child exploitation. Craig's brother, Marc,
delivered a keynote address to Avon Maitland employ-
ees April 23 during a system -wide Professional
Development day event in Stratford.
The proposed partnership between the board and
Free the Children was brought before trustees by edu-
cation superintendent Ted Doherty. It set out a frame-
work for the board to provide "direct access ... to all
schools via mail, e-mail and phone to make them
aware of (Free the Children's) resources and opportu-
nities, formal endorsement (in the form of superinten-
dent letters, etc.) and encouragement to schools to
participate in opportunities; (and) support for schools
to take advantage of opportunities ... and other fee-
based programs by providing board -level funding."
Free the Children would, in turn, provide such things
as "one-on-one mentorship for students and educators
by a dedicated International Youth Co-ordinator; sup-
port for board -wide events by sending representatives,
upon request; and up to two professional development
workshops per year, free of charge (pending availabili-
ty).„
Doherty explained many Avon Maitland students and
student groups are already involved in Free the
Children activities or similar activities. He said sugges-
tions about a possible partnership first arose several
months ago. But there was very little work on final
details until recently, and the final Free the Children
proposal only arrived the day of the April 22 meeting.
He defended granting access to schools' information
services, stating "we're not crazy about our schools
being bombarded all the time by advertisements, but
(Free the Children) has agreed that they would do that
on a more organized basis."
But several trustees expressed misgivings about the
short time between receiving the proposal and making
a decision, about granting access for information, and
about formalizing a fee structure.
Education director Geoff Williams conceded, saying
he would deliver a message to Kielberger the next day
that the board is "very excited with the potential for a
partnership with Free the Children," but would stop
short of announcing a finalized deal.
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