DGS has implemented a new theater schedule for the 2025-2026 school year. It reverts back to a spring musical like in previous years, while also creating new opportunities for cast and crew.
These changes have had a significant impact due to the importance of the musical’s timing. It is the most in-depth production of the year, and many events revolve around it.
The musical’s new Spring dates, April 16-18, is particularly helpful as during the 2024-2025 school year, the winter date conflicted with the speech team, an activity that many actors are engaged in. This made it hard for many to commit to either endeavor fully.
Senior Jack Melie is the president of Masque and Gavel and shared the effects that the revised schedule has on many actors.
“It’s [the altered schedule] just going to allow actors to focus in and hone their craft,” Melie said.
The return of the spring musical is breathing life into the drama program, as students, including Melie, felt that last year’s schedule was limiting their potential.
“The schedule we had last year with the musical being in the winter definitely made me want to do less,” Melie said.
Beyond the musical, however, this new schedule will introduce other performance opportunities within the drama program.
Formerly, both the novice play and the theater for young audiences productions were put on at DGS. They happened at different times in the year, featuring different groups of actors. However this year, the productions were combined into one show happening in the fall, from Sept. 25 to 26.
Technical director Hunter Evans is tasked with managing the behind-the-scenes of all drama productions. He shared his opinion on performance opportunities in the coming year.
“I’m most excited about combining the Novice play and the Theatre For Young Audiences (TYA) production. This is the best of both worlds. Our ninth graders will get the opportunity to perform with their peers and, at the same time, form bonds with seasoned drama students,” Evans said.
From a more administrative perspective, the reversion of the schedule also helped to accommodate other programs at DGS.
Director of student activities Jennifer Martinez manages and compiles the schedule for all of DGS. In her work, she must take care to assemble a schedule that works for everyone.
“Based on what is happening at that time of year, whether we’re talking about athletic events, activity events, you’re talking about things that impact the whole school,” Martinez said.The revision of the theater schedule will create amazing opportunities for growth here at DGS.
“We are lucky to be part of a school community that offers so many platforms for students to shine and take with them a rich arts experience into their future,” Evans said.
Click here to read more about the Alice in Burgerland production.