Marking their third complete production under the direction of Brianne Vogt, the drama class concluded Kurtz Gordon’s play The Babbling Brooks, with performances March 8 and 12.
The play, which revolved around a family of gossipers creating mischief between family and neighbors, filled Ground Zero with laughter from audiences during both evenings of production.
After their quick preparation, Vogt says the class’s work has paid off, creating a successful show. Although the group faced stress, they pulled everything together, she says.
“I feel a sense of accomplishment,” Vogt said. “It is no small feat to put together a full length production! I am pleased with the result and relieved that it all came together in the end.”
With roughly a week between performances, the class was able to adjust errors in the first show. The time allowed them to spread word of the show and advertise for a larger crowd.
“I feel like the show was an overall success,” Vogt said. “The actors’ performances improved from Monday’s performance to Friday’s and our audience size tripled. The actors rose to the occasion and the audience’s responses and receptiveness was wonderful and enjoyable to witness.
“Theater isn’t done for the actors, it’s done for the audience, so when an audience enjoys themselves, there’s a definite sense of success wrapped up in that.”
Freshman Logan Rood played the role of Julia in the production. While onstage, Rood says she was impressed by the positive audience reaction, and attributes the appreciation to senior cast member Doug Daniel.
“It turned out very well,” Rood said. “The audience laughed more than I expected. Doug is a pleasure to act with. He is absolutely hilarious.”
The Babbling Brooks presented learning experiences and new goals for all of those involved, according to Vogt.
“This show was the first full length show that I chose, cast, and directed, as I inherited Tartuffe l and After Ever Happily midway through the production process,” Vogt said. “I’ve gained a better understanding of what to expect as far as the time that is needed to put a show together from beginning to end.”
Rood says she overcame the daunting proposition of being a freshman onstage for the first time.
“It was amazing being onstage as a freshman,” Rood said. “To my surprise, it wasn’t as intimidating as I thought it would be. I wasn’t nervous at all. I learned that cannot rely on myself as an actor. I have to depend on the other actors to support me and build me up as a better actor.”
For senior Aaron Kroeker, the onstage experience presented nerves, but left him with beneficial lessons.
“I learned so much about acting that I would never have learned otherwise,” Kroeker said. “I also met more people that were very talented and were very fun to work with. I was worried most of the time that I wouldn’t remember my lines.
“However, I did learn some helpful study techniques and was able to remember them all. I learned excellent study techniques and I learned how important it is for me to do my best when others are counting on me.”
Before their next production, Vogt plans to give her students an interval of recuperation.
“Our next dramatic adventure is still up in the air,” Vogt said. “At this point, my main focus is giving the actors a bit of a breather. It’s been an intense last few weeks and as important as it is to have a ‘go get ’em’ attitude, it’s also important to take time to pause and renew because no one wants to watch tired and burnt-out actors.”
For more information, read the March 8 article, Drama to present ‘Babbling Brooks’, which includes a slideshow, or check out Babbling actors or 3-2-1!
