Bringing Dracula to Life: Fall Play Preview By : Sarah Staron

This year's fall play called “Dracula,” directed by Joy Grabow and Claire Stone as the assistant director, is being held from Nov. 13th to the 15th. As the play goes through the story of Dracula's thirst for blood and characters fighting his supernatural powers and charm, students bring this to life on the Daniel Hand Stage.

The decision to do “Dracula” this year was a choice made by the students. The cast is ecstatic because of last year's fall play being such a big hit; they are hoping for the same results.

Auditions were held on the Daniel Hand stage from 6 to 9 p.m. on Sept. 8. Senior Avery Belcher and junior Jack Johnson are participants in almost every Hand play as well as Claire Morris as a stage manager. In order to keep these loved productions going, the theater members and directors are always looking for new additions to the cast or even more hands behind the curtain.

“In all four Hands on Stage shows that I have previously been in, my favorite part has been seeing the production come together,” said Johnson. “We start off not knowing our lines, what we're going to do with our character, or what the show is even going to look like. But as the weeks go by, the production starts to piece itself together. The show starts to really become a show. It's been amazing to see the same thing happen with Dracula. The cast cannot wait to perform it in November.”

As students move from Polson to Daniel Hand, the number of theater participants decreases. But with the new acting and stage production classes at Hand it is hopeful more students will join. Teacher and assistant director Stone said, “It is one of my favorite parts of my job,” referring to being able to teach students to be more comfortable and confident in the world of theater.

Mr. Salutari has graciously covered the cost of ALL student tickets. Students can reserve their tickets at handsonstagedhhs.ludus.com.