A show of their own

Seniors get a chance to be directors

Natalie Ditsler

More stories from Natalie Ditsler

Seniors+Hunter+Jones+and+Brigham+Dunford.+The+two+are+currently+directing+a+show+together+for+the+Advanced+Productions+class

Austin Graham

Seniors Hunter Jones and Brigham Dunford. The two are currently directing a show together for the Advanced Productions class

Seniors Hunter Jones and Brigham Dunford will be co-directing a show together as part of the advanced productions class’ end of the year project, Senior Directed. Seniors get the chance to fill the role of director by casting and producing a show.

“It’s awesome because we get to see what our directors normally go through,” Jones said. “Also, it’s a chance to let some of the under-utilized actors show their talents and how far they’ve come.”

The duo chose the show “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde due to it’s weird sense of humor as described by Jones.

“I enjoy working with Hunter thoroughly,” Dunford said. “It helps to have two minds working towards the common goal of a great show.”

To better understand the character development in “The Importance of Being Earnest,” the two watched the movie version.

“We keep modifying and talking about it whenever possible,” Jones said. “As far as blocking goes, we got the basics down by using makeshift furniture and changed it once we got access to the space.”

Auditions were conducted by show and students were allowed to try-out for multiple show and characters. After seeing all of the auditions, the directors began to cast their shows.

“It was really challenging because we were all pulling from the same group of people, and we all had to make compromises, but I think we’re all very proud of the casts and crew that we got,” Jones said.

I am very excited for the shows and to watch my actors and actresses grow and develop characters under the direction that we give them

— Brigham Dunford, 12

Dunford has positive opinions on the process so far.

“I am very excited for the shows and to watch my actors and actresses grow and develop characters under the direction that we give them,” Dunford said.

With only nine days left, the two seniors conduct their rehearsals.

“We have way less time,” Jones said. “We only have a few weeks to put the full thing together.”

Senior Directed will be held in the Little Theater on May 19th. It starts at 7:00 p.m.

“It feels like it’s been a long time coming, but it’s been very rewarding,” Jones said.