Geneva High theater season begins with comedy on test anxiety
Students at Geneva High School are almost always preparing for tests, and while some may be diligent, some may be trapped in their heads and exceedingly paranoid. This fall, underclassmen actors will premiere “This Is a Test.”
This 1980s themed production by Stephen Gregg follows Elaine Lefenfeld as she prepares for and takes a test, though there is certainly something off about the students around her. Each actor is a figment of her imagination and personifications of each “worst-case scenario” while she attempts to take her exam, making for an exceedingly humorous production (for all except Elaine, of course).
Performances will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, and Saturday, Oct. 4, in the high school auditorium, 416 McKinley Ave. Tickets are $7, $5 for students and senior citizens, or free for any under the age of 6. Tickets can be purchased in advance at ticketpeak.co/genevahighschool304/events. Tickets will also be available at the door (cash only).
This show is suitable for all ages with themes for each audience. Older audiences will appreciate a nostalgic classroom setting, and younger audiences can appreciate more modern humor.
Marianne Crowley, portraying Elaine’s Mom, is a passionate and kind actor within Geneva’s theater program. The sophomore commented that her favorite part of working on the show was getting to spend her afternoon with old and new faces.
“Having a welcoming environment where we can all come together always brings a smile on my face,” she emphasized, “and seeing it all be able to come together is something I can not wait for.”
However, Marianne is not the only one who can’t wait for the show’s debut. Zoey Dube, a freshmen and chorus member, notes that she also loves being able to work with different people during rehearsals.
Her favorite aspect of the show is the intricate rhythm work. “It takes a lot to get a large group to synchronize, so being able to work through that with friends is a blast.”
Each and every cast and crew member can agree that, between the spinning chairs and repeating motifs, being able to work on it as a group is what makes the experience great. But none of it would be possible without a good pair of directors.
Christopher Arnett, a Geneva English teacher, primarily directs the underclassmen show, with emphasis on scene work and the nuances in the show. However, he strives to cultivate a relaxed and open environment where actors are free to add their own input in order to make the show their own.
The show is also guided by student director Emma Jordahl, a junior at Geneva. Emma ensures that every voice is heard and helps with the trickier rhythm and synchronized scenes, such as a particular moment where the entire class breaks out into song.
Despite the numerous attempts these moments take to perfect, every actor, crew member, and director can agree that they are all excited to see their efforts come to fruition in front of an audience.