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Grade 11:Behind the Scenes of Scrooge’s Christmas

January 4, 2016

Grade 11:Behind the Scenes of Scrooge’s Christmas

Amidst the warm glow of stage lights, two dozen black figures, sporting eerie masques, sit waiting. As the audience settles into their seats, a bell strikes once, twice, thrice…As the twelfth stroke ceases to vibrate, the lights dim to a somber blue. A solitary specter rises and sings: “God rest ye merry gentlemen…”

SHSID’s recent drama performance, Scrooge’s Christmas, a stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel A Christmas Carol, marks not only the first performance at the school’s new black box theater, but also the continuation of L2D, SHSID’s student-lead drama program, at the center spotlight following the loss of many senior actors and two directors last semester. Three months of hardcore planning and effort resulted in a superb show. Led by club leader Amber Cai, two dozen actors and many crew members enjoyed a journey with the directors Ms. Kaitlyn Connor, Ms. Georgina Bunn, and stage manager Nelly Shieh and managed to pull off three nights of astonishing performances.

But success did not come easily. Many obstacles had to be overcome during the planning and even execution of this show. Following auditions in late September, the early rehearsals were sometimes met with low attendance rates and inefficiency. However, with a little effort and encouragement from the directors and older actors, the tide was soon turned and what seemed at first to be a campfire skit evolved into a fully-fledged play. “Rehearsals was like a bottle of good wine, it got better and better over time. Everyone became more focused, more professional, more drama-tic,”stated Kyle Jiang, who brought to life the jolly, sassy Ghost of Christmas Present. By the time December arrived, everyone was more than ready to prove their worth onstage.

As Christmas approached, the last few mishaps were straightened out just in time for the opening night. At last, the moment of truth had arrived. “I felt really nervous. While the audience was coming in, I was quietly reciting my lines while covered with a mask and just hoping for the best!” exclaimed Chloe Xiao, who portrayed Martha Cratchit. But the immeasurable hours of practice on weekdays and weekends alike were not spent in vain. As Chloe put it, “As we got more into character, it just became easier and more natural, and I had a really god time.”In the end, the three nights all culminated in impressive performances that brought to life the humorous, chilling, and touching nature of Scrooge’s Christmas.

For many, this play provided a chance to experience the excitement of being on stage. “Being on stage was unlike anything else,” said Cheryl, the actress behind Mrs. Fezziwig and Mrs. Haversham, “That part was the most fun!” For others, the show was an opportunity to practice essential acting skills and play new roles. Chang Chertanaraj, who portrayed the main character Ebenezer Scrooge, found this especially true. According to Chang, “Being a part of L2D gave me a newer perspective. I, for the first time, was able to put myself inside another character’s shoes.” As a theatrical organization, L2D exists primarily to generate these unforgettable experiences and to expose new performers to the wonders of acting onstage.

However, drama club is more than impersonating a character from a script; it is also a chance to be with friends and make new ones. Everyone in L2D is very welcoming to new members and veteran actors know each other like old friends. As Kyle exclaimed, “I love L2D! It’s more than just a group of students performing. L2D is a family, one that lasts for a lifetime.” Founded five years ago by alumni Daniel Cai, L2D has expanded far beyond its initial reaches. To quote Amber Cai, co-founder and the current president of L2D, “I can still remember when L2D first started. We were just a couple of kids doing improv in a classroom…It’s amazing that we’ve made it so far.” It goes almost without saying that L2D will continue to grow and develop in the next five years to come, and even beyond that. Now, though, only one question remains: When’s the next show?

(Written by Celine Sung Picture by Song Delin)