A long-standing tradition at DGS, the annual ninth grade play will be hosted in the Performing Arts Center (PAC) on Thursday, Sept. 25, from 7-8 p.m. The play is a fictional twist on the age-old classic Alice in Wonderland, and is entitled Alice in Burgerland.
This year, the ninth grade play and Theater for Young Audiences play are a combined show out of necessity for the theater schedule. In addition to the show for the public, there will also be two shows on Friday, Sept. 26, from 9:30-10:45 a.m. and from 1-2:15 p.m. for registered local elementary schools.
The play is an opportunity for ninth graders to meet and learn from upperclassmen in the theater department, and get involved without external competition.
The show’s director, English teacher and head speech coach, Justin Matkovich, expands on how the freshman play gives ninth graders a chance to be involved from the beginning. He enjoys watching the growth of ninth graders in an environment where the focus is heavily on them.
“We have an opportunity to get anywhere from 15 to 30 freshmen involved in our program that don’t have to compete against the upperclassmen in terms of getting roles and parts,” Matkovich said.
He also talks about how the ninth grade play is a way to unite students of all grades with a shared love for theater, while also giving upperclassmen the ability to step up into leadership positions.
“A lot of the older kids in the program will mentor the younger kids and help them. I get to see peer leadership happen in that way and the children’s play fosters that type of peer leadership,” Matkovich said.
Junior and assistant director Anvi Krishnardula discusses her goals to help ninth graders, as an upperclassmen in a leadership position.
“I’m somebody who’s able to help them feel safe here, and just somebody that they can look up to,” Krishnardula said.
She believes that an inviting environment is important to help underclassmen feel open towards, for many, their first experience in the limelight.
For ninth graders, stepping into the theater community is often intimidating at first. Ninth grader Maclean Birch expresses his initial thoughts about joining the theater.
“I thought it was going to be a lot more competitive, and it is, but it’s also very much welcoming and people are a lot more positive,” Birch said.
He also reflects on how the ninth grade play helps set a foundation for students to grow in the theater department. For ninth graders like Birch, this first experience on stage can be both exciting and nerve-racking.
“It [the play] pushes freshmen towards new experiences because it kind of pushes them into the spotlight. Other directors can see what we can do and what our capabilities are,” Birch said.
Community members can attend Alice in Burgerland on Thursday, Sept. 25 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are free for DGS students with IDs, $10 for general admission and $5 for children under 12 and seniors.
Tickets can be bought here.