The Sacrifices Made for a Play

The Grand Junction High School drama department has been putting on plays since about the 70’s, but what you don’t see is all the hard work and effort that goes into each and every one of these plays and how much this department comes together as a family.

In “The Addams Family”, the drama department’s most recent play, each performer put about 200 hours of their own time into this production.  These hours include auditions, rehearsals, memorizing lines, making props, and costumes. These individuals are some of the most hard working people I’ve ever seen.

They also have to perform in physically demanding ways to present a character.

“The physicality of this role.” said Olivia Nikkari when asked about the biggest obstacle. Olivia played the grandma in the play having to stay in a squat for the play and sing in her character’s voice.

These individuals are also the closest that a department can be.

“I love theater because it gets  a group of individuals together working towards one goal and that goal is a selfless goal that goal is to tell a story to an audience and they have to work as a group to get there, ” said Audrey Neumiller, drama director and teacher.

Many of the crew love to hang out with each other too outside the productions. “Da boys and Olivia . I just love spending time with them and they make life fun and enjoyable.” said Luis Gaytan, who played Gomez.

One of the hardest parts for Ms. Neumiller is getting the word out to see the play, and they put tons of time and effort into the play. Next time there’s a play,  go support your local thespians and go watch it.