The Mark Highlights
Fairy Tales Within a Play Story by Khaina Alupay
Weston Ranch High School Junior Community Outreach Intern
What happens when the fairy tales from our childhood come together in one story? On February 6, 2020, Weston Ranch High School’s theater doors opened at 6 p.m., ready for families and friends to witness The Quest! A Fairy Tale with Attitude play, where famous characters combined forces for one cause. From Goldilocks and the three bears to Snow White and her seven dwarfs, the fairy tale characters worked together to accomplish one goal, curing Grandma of her illness. The characters go on a quest to find the three missing ingredients needed for the cure, a poisoned apple, cold porridge, and a lock of golden hair. Huff ‘n Puff, the big bad wolf who is still big and bad, is the antagonist who plots to prevent the characters from saving Grandma. Throughout the quest, the audience interacted with the characters
on stage to help them find the ingredients. Yet, what the audience doesn’t know, is how the theater students prepared for the audience interactive performance. “We rehearsed every single day with our blockings and our scripts, and then after weeks of rehearsal, we felt comfortable to go off script,” explained Stephanie Truong, who played one of the three little pigs. Mrs. Stogner’s theater class began rehearsals last month. Though character lines can be improved, choreographed motions and movements among characters on stage must be planned to maintain smooth transitions and keep timing of curtains closures and lighting adjustments. “Ever since I was little, I just loved acting and being in the spotlight,” smiled Lanna Ortiz, who also played as one of the three little pigs. Theater attracts students
from all over campus who enjoy the stage; though they soon find out how much strategic planning, coordination, and practice are involved. At the end of the play, the fairy tale characters bowed while the audience applauded and cheered for the entertainment. “We are excited for applause! Usually an applause is the only reward an actor and crew receives, so it’s very satisfying when an audience applauds or gives a standing ovation. We appreciate the gratitude they give us,” stated Mrs. Stogner. After weeks of rehearsals and hard work, the crew felt relief and delight for the day and prepared for the next. The following day, elementary school students around the community visited Weston Ranch High School to participate in the play, assisting the characters throughout their journey. The theater filled with excitement and innocent laughter, and a lesson in helping others.
