image courtesy of Pioneer Drama Service

CSHS takes the stage

Seven years ago, Conway Springs High School students performed in their last play put on by the high school. Now, in 2016, after much petitioning and planning, CSHS has decided that they will put on another play during the spring semester: they will be putting on “Blazing Guns at Roaring Gulch,” written by Shubert Fendrich.

Junior Chloe Henderson, who participates in the Wellington Community Theatre, started pushing for the program at the end of last year. There was a petition sent around the high school for anyone interested in participating in a production.

“I gave the list to Mr. Harrell, who took it to the board meeting,” Henderson said.

The play will be directed by Kacy Blake, 2001 alumna, who participated in productions here in the past. She is currently the secretary at St. Joseph Catholic School.

“I’m hoping this play will give students a chance to perhaps earn scholarships for college, either acting or behind the scenes, to come out of their shell, to shine either on stage or with their creativity behind the scenes, and to have fun!”

English teacher Tamara Salisbury will be the production manager.

Many students showed interest in the production at the initial meeting in December. About 25 students showed up at the meeting, including junior Matthias Doffing, who is hoping to be part of the cast.

“I have always liked standing out and performing,” Doffing said. “I think it’ll be fun.”

Auditions are set to take place on Jan. 20 after school. Students that are interested in being cast should sign up with Mrs. Salisbury. Students are not required to have attended the meeting to sign up for auditions. Mrs. Salisbury will provide necessary information to those interested.

For auditions, the students will read for a character of their choosing, and then they will be asked to read for another character as well. Character lists are posted in the hallways. There is also a need for crew members, so if students interested in working on the play may also talk to Mrs. Salisbury about that.

“I hope everyone is as excited as I am,” Mrs. Blake said.