The lights hanging above the stage now shine onto the faces of ones that used to live in the audience. Seniors that have spent the past four years on stage are now handing out the scripts of their own: a chance to showcase their directive ideas on stage.
Westerville North’s theatre program has been consistently thriving since the school opened in 1975, and is currently ranked at a national level. The cast, crew, and staff, immerse themselves in the program by staying involved and participating during the school year, as well as the annual summer show.
Typically, there are four shows that are produced during the school year, the fall and winter shows, the spring musical, and Senior Directed One Acts. These shows offer many opportunities for students to participate. Whether it’s backstage, sound booth, or under the stage lights; theatre is welcome to all North students.
A total of eleven new people made the decision to step out of their comfort zone and onto the stage for this production: Eight seniors, two juniors, and one sophomore.
Addy Whiting (‘28), and this Senior-Directed One Acts is her very first show. She was persuaded to audition by her close friend, and has had no regrets. She said “I didn’t seem that interested in [theatre], but I was so wrong.”
All of the five casts include new members, giving a chance for the directors to take charge and welcome the newcomers.
Ali Washburn (‘26) took the role of director with her close friend, Audrey Ohler(‘26) for a show called Bad Auditions by Bad Actors. Washburn has been a part of the theatre program since her freshmen year, and has loved every moment of it. She says “It’s really fun to watch the choices that other actors make, because I’ve gone through it so much”.
Being a director has its ups and downs, and Washburn has had her share of experiences.
“The hardest part is just managing dates and keeping things together, and making sure [the cast] is paying attention.”
Overall, Washburn describes it as a positive experience, saying “it’s just really enjoyable to watch and help [the actors] grow in their abilities.”
Owen Lafon (‘26) has been involved in theatre throughout his high school career, due to his sport conflicting with the spring musical.
Lafon recalls the moment he joined for the first time after a friend who he auditioned with dropped out of the show saying, “I did the show knowing nobody in the theatre. Was it worth it? Yeah.”
Theatre members are offering their best advice to the people that are nervous to join theatre. “We are a very welcoming community here, so don’t be afraid. We’re very grateful for new people that join,” Lafon says.
Whiting encourages new people to join by sharing her own thoughts. She says “it’s fun, and you’re gonna fit in.”
North’s theatre program is inclusive and diverse when it comes to having something for everyone to do. Washburn says “try it out, because you never know, you may fall in love with it and not realize. There’s so many places for people in the theatre”.
