Theater Update: Why Do We Do Theater?

Written by: Hannah Smith

Our One-Act play came to a disappointing close. We lost by a fraction of a point to Vidalia's theatre program for the second year in a row. This loss combined with “Mean Girls”, our winter musical, just starting up has me questioning what the purpose of live theatre is? Why do I keep showing up to rehearsals long after a show's novelty has worn off?  For me, the answer is deceivingly simple, I like to connect with the audience. I push through a bad rehearsal, a bad week, or a bad show because connecting with an audience of people, having them laugh, cry, or smile with you, helps me see their humanity. Maybe I’m a blind optimist, but watching a kid's eyes fill with wonder, an old man laugh, or a teacher cry, is worth every hour, every tear, and every second place trophy. With “Mean Girls”, the cast and I want to do more than just connect with the audience. Despite the fun-loving nature of this musical comedy, “Mean Girls” dives beyond cheap comedy and explores the “mean girl” inside us all. I hope you’ll consider checking it out on February 20th and the 21st at 7pm and February 22 at 3pm!