The theatre department premiered their devised project, “I Am,” this past weekend on Feb. 22 through Feb. 24. A devised project has collaborators work on the play as they go along, instead of reading off a script. Since this was the department’s first time doing a project like this, the students working on it had a unique experience during it.
The show’s cast worked on the entirety of the production, from beginning to end. It was rewarding for every student involved to see their hard work pay off during the premiere of “I Am.”
“My favorite part of working on the show was watching the cast brainstorm, work through and write the script. Since the cast is mostly underclassmen, I was so wonderfully surprised by their maturity, focus and determination to make a great show and that’s what they did. It is so incredible to see the show they worked so hard on come to life. My favorite part of premiering the show was seeing the reactions from the audience,” senior and Stage Manager Sophie Cordis said.
The show recieved lots of positive feedback, according to some of the cast and crew. “The cast worked really hard on making this show serious as well as comical and the reactions from the audience were so great to see. I also talk to audience members after the show and love talking to them about what they thought about the show and what they take away from it. We have gotten a lot of positive feedback which is always great to hear,” Cordis said.
A pre-existing script leaves students to follow certain rules and standards that go along with plays. The devised project allowed students to have full creativity with bringing the project, all the way down to the costumes.
“As the wardrobe head, I am in charge of all things costume-related backstage. Working on the show “I Am” was a pleasure. We got to take a show that had no background with it and create something new. Every piece of clothing on the actors on stage was the debut outfit of the characters. I am also lucky to say that Niles West Theatre has one of the kindest communities there is and everyone in the company is hardworking,” sophomore Jamie Hoffman said.
This new show also created a unique exposure to a different part of theatre. Since this play is unlike anything West has done before, the crew enjoyed exploring this unfamiliar genre alongside their colleagues.
“The thing I enjoyed most about the premiere was that it’s a completely new thing that nobody has ever seen before, meaning we could do whatever we wanted, and we would still be preforming the show correctly. I really enjoyed getting to hang out with my friends, [and] a large part of why I do theater is because my friends are in it and it’s a great way to spend time with them. Working on this show and getting to share ideas with these people has been really rewarding,” sophomore and cast member Henry Riley said.
