Student-Produced "Into the Woods" Hits the Stage April 14-16

As part of the class, students design a 2D and 3D set. Mr. Hoyle, Collegiate’s theatrical production teacher and theater director, then works with the students to finalize their design. 

 

“Building the set takes a couple of weeks,” said Alexa. “We start by making the constituent elements in the scene shop, which are then moved to the stage. Additional pieces are installed directly on the stage. Once a set piece is fully built, it gets painted, accessorized and final touch-ups are done.”

 

From the set design to the light focus to the sound cues, students are involved in every aspect of the shows.

 

"We're proud to let our student designers and stage technicians shine alongside our performers,” said Hoyle. “We have amazing students dedicated to stagecraft, and we’re fortunate to support them as they work on the show’s production elements."

 

Vivian L. ’23 came to Collegiate with no production experience and has operated the sounds and lights for the past two productions. 

 

“Helping out with the performance and being in control of certain things is what I enjoy, and being able to be a part that nobody sees is fun because there is so much that goes on behind the curtain,” she said. “When controlling mics and sounds, it's important to keep track of what scene comes next, which characters have lines, and who is and is not on stage,” said Vivian. “Each person has their own mic and they are numbered to keep track of them. This allows us to know which button to press to turn it on and off.”

 

MaryAnn W. ’23 plays the “Witch,” is in Theater Production and can’t wait for the show to open.

 

“It’s packed with emotion. There are parts where you’re rolling on the floor laughing and then crying your eyes out,” she said. “The messages throughout the storyline are very interesting and not explored as much in other productions. It’s just so whimsical and dark and twisted, and I love everything about it,” especially ‘No One is Alone.’ It has such an important message, it’s so beautifully written, and it’s one of the best parts of the show. The way it intertwines the theme of no one is alone and everyone makes mistakes is so important and needs to be said more often in shows.”

“A lot of hard work and dedication goes into these productions,” added Vivian, “especially with ‘Into the Woods’ with so many costumes and set changes. It means a lot when people come and see what we've created. Our productions here are beyond great.” 

Tickets are available at the door; $10 for students, $15 for general admission. The show is open to the public, so bring your friends and family members.

Questions: Contact Brendan Hoyle at bhoyle@norfolkcollegiate.org.