By ADELINE LOYAL – As the school year comes to an end, the IHS Drama Department has one last show in store.
The show can be streamed anytime on Friday, May 21 and Saturday, May 22. Tickets for the show can be purchased on the IHS Drama Department website or purchase a streaming pass at https://www.broadwayondemand.com/…/aPcGgaC8ohFt-common….
The spring play, Common Ground, offers a window into the various conversations happening within a coffee shop. The collection of scenes highlight the relationships between the characters within.
Throughout the year, the Drama Department has found many ways to perform within the many health and safety guidelines set by the school. Common Ground is no exception. “We’re double masking, social distancing throughout scenes, doing temperature checks, and applying hand sanitizer frequently,” said junior Autumn Smith, who has been in all three IHS productions this year.
The Drama Department has been very careful about its pandemic safety, with no cancellations or cast-wide quarantines during any of their three productions. While acting with a mask may be more difficult, the actors spend time learning how to convey more emotions in their body language.
The show also includes many cast members who have never performed on stage before. “I’ve spent years behind the stage, so it’s nice to be on stage finally,” said freshman CJ Akers. “It’s fantastic to have an audience and impress them.”
With a healthy mix of new and experienced cast members, Common Ground offers a sense of normalcy to its cast. It will be the first IHS show to have a typical play structure, albeit with masks and social distancing.
The show began rehearsals in April. “We only had about one month for rehearsals,” stated sophomore Sophie Runge. “But we were able to put on a show in front of a small audience for the first time, which is really nice.”
The show will allow a small number of the cast’s immediate family members to watch it performed live. For everyone else, Common Ground will be available to stream at any time on May 21 and 22.
[Photo by Sophie Runge]
Photo Caption: “Freshman Fiona McQuaide, juniors Caitlin Wilson and Avery Olenchick, and senior Audra Moore paint the set for the spring play.”