Just ahead this weekend is a wake-up pill for cynical observers who think that there is too much copycatting in show business.
Here is what can happen when students take over.
On Saturday at 7 and on Sunday at 2, nineteen imaginative, talented seniors from the Academy of Visual and Performing Arts at Culver City High School will present an independent production at the Willows Community School Theatre that showcases four years of theatre education.
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Directors Emma Niles and Kevin Mitchell
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Louie Chavez, actor and set designer
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Katie Mills-Orcutt, sound designer
While not an AVPA or Culver High production, this one-act festival will leave audiences with a lasting memory due to both its quality and spirit.
Senior Seminar 2011 is a spring class culminating in a production completely written, staged, directed, acted, and designed by seniors.
When, in March, their teacher/mentor Sheila Silver had to take a medical leave for the remainder of the year, the students were told that, due to liability issues, the School District could not allow the performance to happen on campus as planned.
The students decided to proceed independently so that months of work would not be lost.
They were thrilled and immensely grateful when The Willows Community School stepped up to help by donating the theater space, making it possible for the students to fully realize their work.
Originally conceived for a theatre-in-the-round, directors Kevin Mitchell and Emma Niles re-blocked the entire show to fit the proscenium stage in the new venue.
Now, after four months of work, they are ready to share this event with the community.
The production consists of two one-act plays: “Follow the Leader” and “The Veldt,” directed by Kevin Mitchell and Emma Niles, respectively.
Mr. Mitchell explains: “On the first day of Senior Seminar, the class selected the topic ‘Secrets’ for our original play. Over the next two weeks, I led the writing process of what evolved into ‘Follow the Leader,’ a satire on conspiracy theories and the impermanency of trust.
“Please join us in Harmony, Alabama, as the members of the Alien Hunters Federation of America fight the alien presence — that is, if it even exists to begin with. You'll have to come to the show to find that out.” Of her work, Ms. Niles said: “I was introduced to Ray Bradbury's work during my time at Culver City Middle School. Several years later I discovered his short story ‘The Veldt.’ I thought that the piece would translate well into a one-act play, and I adapted it.
“Although The Velt was published by Bradbury in 1950, it is extremely relevant to our society today. It deals with problems created by technology and demonstrates the effect a technological world can have on children . . . and the chilling consequences that can follow.”
The Willows Community School Theatre, 8509 Higuera St. Entrance is from Warner Drive. Tickets: $10. The production is appropriate for age 12 and up.
