Theatre is not only about acting and designing sets. It’s also about working as a team, finding your strengths, and appreciating those who came before you. Osbourn High School offers two different types of theatre classes, Theatre Arts and Technical Theatre.

“I’m in [theatre arts] one,” said senior Virginia Rose Steinbach. “The environment is very chaotic as well as somewhat safe.” Brianna Lewing, a junior in Theatre Tech 2, said, “It can get loud, but it’s fun, and everyone gets to really know each other.” Emma Husband, a freshman, said “Theatre [arts] 1 is kinda separated because there is a group of people who do all the work and participate,e and then there are a few groups of people that don’t participate as much.” Unlike a regular class, chaos is encouraged. Mr. Scofield, Osbourn’s theatre teacher, has been here for 1 and a half years, and he enjoys large class participation in read-throughs and improv activities.

Theatre follows a loose class routine. “We get our lives together and then usually will talk as a class and then perform some kind of thing or do some sort of assignment,” said Husband. Lewing said it entails, “Getting up a lot and lots of acting even when we don’t want to.” Christopher Nichols, a senior, said, “An assignment is introduced, and the basics and background info of it is given, then work is expected to be done in class and in a timely manner.”

The time to choose classes is quickly approaching, and everyone has had their own reason to pick theatre as an elective. “I wanted to be more social and make more friends,” said junior Samuel Membreno. “I wanted to do improv, read scripts, and watch movies that are adaptations from different plays,” said Steinbach. Theatre is for everyone. The shy, creative, and loud are all welcome in Room 1245.

Why should you choose to join the OHS theatre community? Membreno said, “You can meet and make more friends.” “It is a very fun class, and it is a good way to get out of your comfort zone or get better at public speaking,” said Husband.

Mr. Scofield said, “Come to class with an open mind and a willingness to explore emotions and overcome shyness. Like most subjects, theatre gives back as much as you put into it.” Husband concurs, saying, “Pay attention because there is a reason for everything. Do your work even if it seems weird. Try not to be nervous and try to participate because that is the best way to learn.” “Be yourself and try to participate,” advises Lewing. Nichols says he loves “theater history and developing my own acting styles.” Husband, on the other hand, said, “I really like the big window in the room. I also really like that I can be loud and have fun and participate.” “The teacher makes it really fun even if you’re not in the mood,” says Lewing. Mr. Scofield said, “I love theatre! My first degree is in theater. I love that theatre combines history, art, and storytelling. Theatre can be entertainment, but it also gives us a way to explore philosophical questions and issues in a safe environment.”

A teacher can make or break a class, and Husband said, “[Mr. Scofield] is very understanding and helpful as long as you participate. As long as you do the assignments and try to participate, he is very willing to help you and work with you.” “You just have to participate,” said Membreno simply. Mr. Scofield strives for full in-class participation, and theatre’s workload is not that heavy. “Homework is very rare, and only if you didn’t finish an assignment in class. The assignments are usually detailed but not difficult,” said Husband.

As the second semester progresses, everyone has goals they want to achieve by the end of the year. Nichols hopes “to become a better performer and to prepare myself for a career in technical theater.” In addition, Mr. Scofield wants to “[keep] getting my technical theatre students more hands-on experience and diving into different acting styles with my theatre arts classes.”