The goals of speech and drama go beyond memorizing lines or delivering a speech. At its heart, the class is about helping students build confidence, conquer stage fright, and find their voice. Because of those benefits, students are once again able to take speech and drama classes on campus this school year and are preparing for a fall stage production.
Like any production, the success of the drama program depends on more than just the students in the class. Behind every performance there is building sets to running lights and sound. Speech and drama teacher, Anita Campbell, explained that the program is looking for parents, community members, and anyone who is willing to lend a hand to help make the shows possible.
With open casting for upcoming plays, the invitation isn’t just for theater veterans, but for anyone who wants to get involved. Whether on stage or behind the scenes. There is room for everyone to contribute. Every set piece, spotlight, and backstage cue helps bring the productions to life.
“I hope students get over their fear of performing. It’s all about being active and participating,” Campell said.
The program is already looking forward to its first big milestone. Students had the opportunity to audition in open casting for an upcoming play, with plans to attend speech contests and expand the program into something even bigger. Campbell has cast the melodramatic comedy, “Dirty Work at the Crossroads,” and rehearsals are underway. The production is scheduled to debut in November.
For some students, drama is a long-awaited dream come true.
“I’ve always been dramatic, and drama is something I’ve wanted in this school for as long as I’ve been in high school. On the very first day, Mrs. Campbell came up to me, she remembered me from last year, and I could just tell by her vibe — I knew I was going to like this lady,” senior Aleah Minks said.
When asked about her favorite experience so far, she struggled to choose.
“What hasn’t been my favorite experience? She meets us where we’re at and helps us grow from there. She teaches us skills that bleed into every aspect of life; how to talk to people, how to present, how to prepare. Theater forces you to coordinate, problem solve, and even make things up on the fly when things go wrong. It’s difficult, but so rewarding. I owe so much of who I am to theater,” Minks said.
Other students, however, are using the class to challenge themselves in quieter, more personal ways. Senior Abbey Wilson took speech class despite being shy.
“Since I do tend to be more on the quiet side, I decided to sign up for public speaking because I wanted to try and get better at talking in front of people. It’s also a class that prepares you for most careers, plus it’s college credit,” Senior Abbey Wilson said.
Though nervous on the first day, she said the class has already changed how she feels about presenting.
“My heart used to race when I spoke in front of people, but now it’s pretty much stopped doing that. Practicing speeches with classmates has helped me get out of my comfort zone, and Mrs. Campbell’s encouragement makes it easier to keep going,” Wilson said.
Wilson shares her advice to quieter students who may be nervous about joining this class.
“I would tell another quieter student who is nervous about joining this class that you should definitely do it. It’s a good way to get out of your comfort zone and work your way up to not being so quiet at school,” Wilson said.
The future of the program is wide open, and the excitement around it is already growing. Campbell hopes to see Speech and Drama grow into a lasting tradition at the school, complete with competitions, performances, and more.
While the speech and drama classes are small this year, Minks recommends other students join in.
“I would ask, ‘Do you want to be a better version of yourself?’ This will help you do it,” Minks said.
