And… Action!

The musicals and plays directed by Mr. Craig Duke at New Providence High School are truly spectacular. However, no one knows the inner workings of these productions better than the cast, crew, and production team. From decision-making to the final performance, and everything in between, it’s a mystery to most. Duke, the drama teacher and director at NPHS, offers unique insights into the behind-the-scenes process of the drama department’s performances.

Deciding the Productions and Cast

There is so much to consider before the first rehearsal even starts. Deciding the spring musical takes more consideration than the fall plays, but similar factors are taken into account. Some of the aspects that influence the final production decision include the upcoming class of students and the past productions. Knowing the talent, experience, and grades of the auditioning students plays a vital role in the decision making process. Since Mr. Duke is aware of the talent in most of the returning students, he gives thought to the skills that he knows they have to offer. Keeping the past shows and musicals in mind, the production team strives to create something different every year, giving a new and exciting feeling to the audience.

Duke makes sure that they “do a variety over any particular four year span. We’re trying to make sure that students that are coming out multiple times for multiple shows have lots of different experiences.”

This diversification not only makes the program more exciting for the audience but also offers fresh and valuable opportunities for the cast and crew.

The Audition Process

As simple as it may seem, the audition process is complex, especially when it comes to casting the roles. Musicals, in particular, attract a larger number of auditionees than plays, which means the drama department has to be especially careful and precise in selecting the cast. A group of staff members—such as the director, choreographer, conductor, and vocal director—watch the performance so they can all work together, provide feedback, and create the best cast list. They look for people who fit the role vocally, acting/personality wise, and in dancing technique. The staff also looks for people who will work well together and have the best chemistry and interactions with each other.

When students step onto the stage, they perform in front of a panel who reviews their auditions, provides feedback, and scores each individual. Using these scores, they determine which students earn each role, and then the cast list is posted. Auditions are usually before winter break, and then they begin the show in January.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals at the high school are tedious and long. With the 2-3 hour rehearsals a day, students participating in the musical demonstrate dedication, responsibility and an extreme work ethic. There are even days closer to opening night where students have two rehearsals in one day for about three hours each, with a dinner break in between. Typically, rehearsals for plays last eight to ten weeks, from the first rehearsal to closing night. With more students, dancing, and singing, the musicals last about 10 to 12 weeks. That’s two and a half months of putting these performances together. Within this time, students become close friends, and each cast becomes a family.

Favorite Parts of Performances

From the first second of the first rehearsal, to the last second of the cast party and closing night, this experience isn’t like any other.

For Mr. Duke, some of the best moments come ‘just being in rehearsal, like when we’re halfway through working on the show, and the kids are comfortable, people are contributing ideas, and having fun with it. And I also like the opening night or the final performance, and I can see how much progress the kids have made.”

That’s a Wrap

These shows take drudgery, dedication, commitment, communication, and so much more. With the long hours, careful planning, considerate decisions, and true enthusiasm, executing these shows is harder than it seems.

And…. Scene!