Troupe prepares to graduate

Port aux Basques - Keith Wall, a teacher at St. James' Regional High is preparing for a big change this school year. The class of 2009 consists of six drama students who have been with him since Grade 7.
Jennifer Moss, Kelsie Battiste, Megan Bateman, Joey Matthews, Effie Parsons and Catherine Clarke describe themselves as more of a family than friends. In this last year of high school, they are recalling some of their memories over the past six years: raising money through wake-a-thons in the old St. James' Junior High; the first drama play they participated in being held in a church basement; shaving Mr. Wall's head; and even finding Effie's prosthetic arm in a trash can while doing a play.
The group described drama practices as being awkward in the beginning. Joey didn't want to join, Kelsie quit every day and mistakes felt like the end of the world. After six years of practice, the team has learned how to overcome their fears and their mistakes.
"I think we have exceeded our own expectations, and even Mr. Wall's expectations," said Catherine.
The students have learned how to cover up each other's mistakes noting that it has to be a team effort. Trust is a key roll in acting. You have to trust that if you make a mistake someone will be there to help you out.
All six plan to involve drama in their post-secondary education, directly or indirectly. They each know that skills such as public speaking, accepting other people, listening, respect for others, self-respect and confidence must not be taken for granted and are important for any role they play in the future.
"I can't imagine not doing drama," said Jennifer Moss.
Each of them agree that drama is a big part of who they are. They have learned about hard work, not just in performing main characters but also in working back stage.
"Someone can watch a play and be like, 'wow he or she was an amazing actor,' while I'm thinking, 'wow the lighting on that scene was perfect or that makeup was really good'," said Catherine. "You have a greater appreciation for all aspects of drama, even when you watch t.v. you notice things."
"Whoever said drama is for the weak should get up on stage and try it," said Kelsie, "Drama is not for the weak."
People who think there is no competition in drama are wrong, she said. The students describe drama as stepping outside their comfort zone. People sometimes underestimate the physical aspect of drama. Just imagine trying to stay perfectly still and quiet for a minute, now put one leg in the air, make a funny face and know that you can't move until just the right moment, described Kelsie.
The young actors say to be good in drama, you have to be outgoing, learn to enjoy criticism and be willing to push yourself to the limits. It's a friendly competition and sometimes you have to sit down and watch some one win over you and accept that they deserve it. It's a lot of self discipline and it takes a lot of energy.
Acting together for so long, the students recognize signs when the other person needs help. They have learned to play off each other covering small mistakes for one another.
Each of these six students learned at least one life lesson that they will take with them from their experience. Effie believes there is no success without team effort. Jennifer has learned to respect the hard work and dedication of everyone.
"Your options matter. That is why you have to let your self open up," said Kelsie.
Joey has learned to never take background people for granted. They're important people, he understands.
"No matter how big or small you are you can do anything, the world is your stage," said Megan.

The Gulf News