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The thrill of being onstage and putting yourself out there is an experience that everyone should have at least once. What better place to try new things than at Edina High School? Unfortunately, unless you have the voice of an angel or have been acting since birth, you probably won’t be cast in the show.
Frankly, when I go and see an EHS performance, I’m not expecting to see professionals. I’d much rather see a group of kids having the time of their lives under the bright lights of EPAC. Theater is about self expression and individual interpretation, and I believe that not allowing willing students to participate limits their ability to, for lack of a better word, self-express!
Some think that the exclusivity of the cast list prepares students for auditions after high school where not everyone gets in, but I beg to differ. I think that rather than helping, the program is defeating kids, lowering self-esteem, and making them not want to audition again for the next show. Another argument for the many cuts is that if the cast is small, they will bond better. But isn’t that just creating yet another clique that Edina tries so hard to prevent? If Edina High School wants to be known for its inclusivity and open arms, they may want to send that message over to the drama department.
Please, interested thespians, don’t think that the system is corrupt by any means. Theater is an amazing opportunity that the high school presents, so don’t be afraid to try out! But also, don’t beat yourself up if you don’t get the starring role. I strongly believe that if Edina put more people on the stage, and chose shows that have larger casts, the lights would shine a little brighter on performance night.
Anonymous • Sep 29, 2013 at 2:13 pm
As a Thespian who does get into the shows regularly i would like to ask everyone to just calm down. I may not completely agree with Sophie but she makes a lot of good thought provoking points. I am part of the FB EHS Thespians group and they are all trashing Sophie and its awful. I am embarrassed to be a thespian at time like this. The Thespian body has stooped to a new low. Im sorry for all of this Sophie! I loved the article
Anonymous • Sep 29, 2013 at 11:54 am
Good, good! Let’s have a debate! No need for strong word or emotions, just a friendly debate.
So, there are a total of 32 students in Zephyrus, correct? Correct.
Now, as others have posted, there are roughly 7 major theater events throughout the school year, not including smaller ones such as mock crash. In each one of these, with everyone (including actors, techies, student directors and producers, the list goes on.), there are anywhere from around 20 (very small events) to over 100 (some mainstage shows) involved students.
That means that in ONE of the many, many productions put on by the EHS Thespians, there are potentially 3x as many people involved as are in Zephyrus throughout the entire year.
All said and done, it was very brave of you to put your opinion out there and I applaud you for it, I just find it a bit (unintentionally?) nasty, and yes, slightly ironic.
This is a very good start in my opinion, and I hope that your future articles are more well-received and appreciated. I apologize for any negativity that this may have caused and I sincerely hope there are no long-lasting hard feelings.
Michael • Sep 28, 2013 at 1:05 am
Many of these commenters are missing the point of the article. Sophie wasn’t bashing the actors themselves, or the crew. She was simply stating her opinion on how the program can be exclusive. There should be no reason to have to compare this to sports or anything of that sort. Also, the article could have been much more opinionated. I thought she actually went easy on the theater program, so I am dumbfounded as to why there is so much backlash.
Anonymous • Sep 28, 2013 at 12:29 am
I think that this is a really well written article. People who are offended by this article should realize that being rude is not helping their case. By posting bratty comments about how this is “bs” and completely wrong is just making thespians seem even more closed minded. This is her OPINION so stop freaking out.
Neil Febel • Sep 28, 2013 at 12:16 am
A lot of kids run for student council and only a couple get in and nobody cries about that
no neil • Sep 28, 2013 at 12:31 am
because the student’s get to vote……..
Anonymous • Sep 29, 2013 at 10:38 am
That just means whoever has the most friends gets in, not the students with the best ideas.
Also, *students
Anonymous • Sep 29, 2013 at 12:56 pm
Student votes just mean the people who get on have a lot of friends, not necessarily that they have the best ideas.
Anonymous • Sep 27, 2013 at 11:03 pm
What I don’t think a lot of people realize that this article is not a critique of the thespians themselves (ie Actors, Techies, what have you) but one girl’s opinion of a program that is central to Edina’s culture. It may be correct or it may be false. Either way it’s written very well and I wish the best in her future writing ventures. Good Job!
anonymous • Sep 27, 2013 at 11:14 pm
Yes.
Cullen • Sep 27, 2013 at 10:44 pm
Hello everyone, my name is Cullen Ryan, I am a senior, and I’m in theater. I became an actor in seventh grade at SVMS, and I was in every show until I graduated. In my sophomore year I auditioned for Urinetown and I didn’t get in, later that year I auditioned for both of the winter plays but didn’t get in to either of those. I was bummed, true. But I didn’t let up, because of that, I took part in the Comedy Sportz improv team, and Listen to the Images, a student written, student directed, show, based off the Images magazine. The next year I was in the ensemble for two Children’s Theater shows, and did not have time for the shows here, but again I took part in Comedy Sportz, and last years Listen to the Images. So far this year I have gotten into Fiddler on the Roof where I will be playing Lazar Wolf, and later this school year another student and I will be directing this years Listen to the Images. Listen to the Images does not require an audition and any students interested can take part. This post does not serve as an argument, this post is an example of a thespian who did not get into an “official” show until their senior year but was an active part of the Edina Theater. Also I wanted to advertise Listen to the Images, you should all join.
Anonymous • Sep 27, 2013 at 10:46 pm
This is wonderful.
Anon • Sep 27, 2013 at 10:41 pm
I feel bad for the writer. So much negative feedback, even though this is written really well.
Madi • Sep 27, 2013 at 10:43 pm
Exactly, it is an opinion article! She worked really hard and this is her first article! I know her and she is lovely, and had no bad intentions behind this.
Anonymous • Sep 28, 2013 at 12:59 am
What are you implying by saying “this is her first article”? This was a great article!
anonymous • Sep 27, 2013 at 10:45 pm
She is a very talented writer, I hope she keeps writing as well. It isn’t her fault that this is happening, I feel like she wouldn’t try to start this at all.
Anonymous • Sep 27, 2013 at 10:40 pm
I always get ensemble roles, but I still greatly appreciate the arts program. I also think that crew is amazing and definitely is not just a job for people who don’t make the cast. I have talked with a lot of dedicated techies who have only ever done crew because that’s what they love. And shows would not be shows without crew. There might be drama between thespians sometimes, but that is because this is high school and there might be drama in any classroom or extracurricular activity. Also, theater kids won’t care about other actor’s quirks because it just makes them more interesting and lovable. The cast is also accepting of new actors and crew members every year because this school’s theater program is a place for having a great time while still working hard to complete something together. When everyone is working towards a common goal, it is a great bonding experience, and when everyone is nervous before opening night, there will always be someone to hug or hold hands with. If you feel like you want to give trying out for a musical a try, I suggest getting voice lessons because it prepares you well. Also, if you ever want to try out for any play or musical, just ask someone involved in theater and I’m sure they will be glad to help you get started. I also agree with an earlier stated fact that yes, there are cuts, but there are also cuts in sports. Sophie I hope you continue to write, your writing skills are very good. I’m sorry that you are receiving a lot of negative feedback.
Anonymous • Sep 27, 2013 at 10:23 pm
Well no shit. Mr. Matthes, for all his other faults, tries to pick shows with large casts, but this isn’t middle school- we’re not going to put everyone on stage. I myself have never acted or sung for theatre before, and I got cast this year. You can do it too. Theatre is not about your own self-expression, it’s about the director’s self expression. Seeing Matthes and his team pick the same people over and over annoys me too, but take it up with him personally.
Also, you’re completely ignoring tech. Nothing personal- tech doesn’t get the respect it deserves- but there’s a place for everyone there who’s willing to put in the work. No talent required, just motivation. You could have succeeded in theatre, but you got butthurt and wrote a newspaper article instead. Now go bitch about something else somewhere else.
Anonymous • Sep 27, 2013 at 11:07 pm
Thank you. I was going to say something, but you said it for me (if a little rudely).
Anonymous • Sep 28, 2013 at 12:22 am
It is a high school production it should be completely about the students’ self expression not the directors…
Anonymous • Sep 29, 2013 at 11:53 am
And yet, it isn’t.
John Osler • Sep 27, 2013 at 10:07 pm
I know that a lot of thespians are upset about this article, but it does bring up a good point. I know that everyone wants a good final product, but sacrificing a bit of the polished element to open the door to more people in theatre. Honestly, I know this will never happen but it would be interesting to see a group of Edina Thespians disband and create a splinter theatre group.
John Osler • Sep 27, 2013 at 10:20 pm
Just to edit, I meant to put in the phrase “Could be a good thing” to the end of the second sentence.
Anonymous • Sep 27, 2013 at 10:07 pm
I am not an EHS thespian and I know this is an opinion piece so don’t try to tell me that it is, I already know. While the cast lists can be selective there are many opportunities to be a part of the program. Being on the crew does not mean that you aren’t important. You are just as much a part of the show as the people on stage. Theatre is a team effort. It takes significantly more than the people performing to put on the show. If you really wanted to be a part of the thespian club, then join the crew and maybe you’ll be cast next time. Showing that you have interest in the program will help you, standing back and saying that the thespians are too cliche-y will not. Keep in mind that a lot of the kids who get cast consistently are going into this field after high school. Giving them roles or any size, or participating in crew helps them better their craft so they can go to a good school and get the training they need to be a working thespian. That being said, people who don’t want to be a professional actor can certainly audition or participate in crew. Maybe they are cliche-y, but who isn’t? Thespians are always busy with some kind of rehearsal, performance or conference or something else that they may not have time to become best friends with people who aren’t in their show. When you spend 2-3 hours at least a day with a certain group of people chances are you are going to be friends. There is nothing wrong with this article stating it’s opinion, I just feel like not every side is being looked at right now. If you wanted to try out but were afraid to, then go audition next show! Thespians don’t bite.
Madi • Sep 27, 2013 at 10:13 pm
I don’t know who you are, but I think I love you. Thank you for standing up for us at a time when people are knocking us down.
Unknown • Sep 27, 2013 at 10:15 pm
Oh go cry about it ya big baby. Your such a victim, “Oh people are knocking us down” boo woo. So typical of someone like YOU to play the “innocent” or “victim” card
Anonymous • Sep 27, 2013 at 10:26 pm
What exactly do you mean by “someone like YOU”? If you are talking about a thespian, they have a right to defend their program and if you care so much about the issue about not being cast, then do something about it. Join the improv team, audition in the winter, join the crew. I think that has brought on more than it was supposed to and I’m sorry that you feel that way about the thespians. Again, I am an EHS thespian by any means, but both sides have a story that need to be heard. I don’t know who you are, what group your affiliated with or anything, but keep in mind that the student thespians don’t actually control who gets cast…
Anonymous • Sep 27, 2013 at 10:46 pm
LET’S NOT REPEAT LAST YEAR’S “TODAYSMEET” SITUATION PLEASE. STOP BEING MEAN.
Anonymous • Sep 27, 2013 at 10:29 pm
You are welcome, both sides of this have a story that should be told. To be honest, the students in the thespian club don’t cast the show. They work for what they get, most of the time.
Anonymous • Sep 27, 2013 at 10:01 pm
We try not to be, and I’m sorry if we come off that way, it’s not our intent.
Anonymous • Sep 27, 2013 at 9:38 pm
Couldn’t agree more. I mean come on, It’s high school, not broadway.
Anonymous • Sep 27, 2013 at 9:24 pm
Thespians need to get over themselves.
Unknown • Sep 27, 2013 at 8:52 pm
Well put. Couldn’t agree more
Anonymous • Sep 27, 2013 at 8:41 pm
^^ This
Unknown • Sep 27, 2013 at 8:32 pm
I see all the points of the article, and I could agree. But I’ve began to notice that Edina tries hard to be a college preparatory school, so they put in a good amount of effort into their activities. So perhaps casting for the shows is exclusive but it’s not any less exclusive than sports, zephyrus, etc. However, I do feel that many thespians are highly rude, even to each other. One of my friends, a thespian, tells me how people gossip all the time about other thespians and perhaps pick on other thespians.
So yes, casting for the shows is exclusive so that it may help people prepare for the future. But I don’t find it justice to be rude to people who have just as much right to be there as you do.
Well written article, especially for your first one.
Anonymous • Sep 27, 2013 at 8:43 pm
But with sports, you can still play, just not on varsity. With theater you don’t get to participate at all.
Anonymous • Sep 27, 2013 at 8:57 pm
Honestly, sports let you still participate. Theatre is like, just do crew. But techies are like ignored and excluded. So theatre is really exclusive.
Paige • Sep 27, 2013 at 9:25 pm
I’m sorry, but that is not true. We have multiple events over the course of the year aside from the shows; we have an improv team, a Guthrie Internship program (with no cuts) where you write and perform your own show based on a Shakespearean play and so many other opportunities. Also, we do not ignore and exclude techies; last year, a techie had a thespian scholarship created in her honor through our program and our techies still come to all the cast parties and are just as much the heart of our program as the actors. In addition to techies and actors, we have pit orchestra and ushers.
Anonymous • Sep 27, 2013 at 10:39 pm
As a long time techie, I never once felt excluded, ignored, or under appreciated. I always felt like part of the family. And I think techies, former and current, would agree with me.
Anonymous • Sep 27, 2013 at 10:56 pm
Yes, you ignore techies. Since we’re all in the homecoming spirit, I’ll point out that techies in the parade are automatically delegated to handing out flyers instead of getting on the float. Actors get photos all over the blackbox, but techies are lucky to get just one. Techies are the ones who have to implement Matthes’s bullshit ideas, and Matthes still takes all the credit. Hannah got a scholarship because she was the only one who could take the strain of stage managing for Matthes and keep a smile on her face. Nothing against Hannah, but she’s a special case. There are two best cast member awards (one male and one female) but only one best techie award. Many actors do tech just to hang out with friends on cast, and then the crew gets yelled at for having too many people doing too little work. Backstage during shows the norm is actors ordering around techies like they’re slaves. Yes there are exceptions, and you are one of them. But please don’t pretend you speak for everyone.
Cullen • Sep 27, 2013 at 11:06 pm
First of all I was handing out fliers as well and I am an actor in the show. Second I don’t know what you have been through, but in my experience techies are held to the utmost respect and are certainly not treated like slaves.
Anonymous • Sep 27, 2013 at 6:08 pm
I hope everyone reading will keep in mind that this is an opinion piece and all it is doing is offering another set of eyes on an important issue. One can disagree without being rude. Well written article!
Anonymous • Sep 27, 2013 at 5:48 pm
A thoughtful piece. Not everyone will agree with you, but it brings up an important issue that is not only true to theater but to a lot of other activities. It seems that if you do not start something at age 5 or 6 it’s too late! High school should offer kids of all experience range a chance to try new things.
Anonymous • Sep 27, 2013 at 5:16 pm
There are two sides to this, as with everything. Either you are a kid who doesn’t get in and views theater as ‘exclusive’, or you do get into these shows. A possible reason some people don’t feel that theater is exclusive is because they actually get parts. To those that do not get parts, seeing the same people perform year after year does make it seem as though theater is only for ‘natural talents’. Perhaps one reason Theater kids might get defensive about this is because they are exclusive and the same people are always cast, and, alternatively, this could merely be a feeling of people unsuccessful at getting parts.
Anonymous • Sep 27, 2013 at 4:14 pm
This is really great, it brought up points I hadn’t thought if before. I have always wondered about the exclusivity of theater at ehs, and I agree with everything
Thespian Club • Sep 27, 2013 at 12:35 pm
Please expect a response letter, a strongly worded one.
Anonymous • Sep 27, 2013 at 8:49 pm
Calm down, this is an opinion article. Just because you don’t agree with it doesn’t mean you should get angry.
Anonymous • Sep 27, 2013 at 9:00 pm
Oh what’s a strongly worded letter going to do? Show that you guys can’t take a little criticism?