Aww’s and gasps from smiling mouths fill the theatre, cued with a jingle bell. This year, the Starlight Theatre Company has chosen to put on a winter play, titled The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon, and directed by student teacher, Emaline Bailey. In years past, the month of November has marked the beginning of musical season, however this year it also brought with it the beginning of winter play rehearsals.
After experiencing a large increase in students wanting to act in fall shows, the directors made sure this showblock would provide opportunities for all. The impromptu decision to put on a winter play left Bailey with little time to prepare. However, she has taken to the role of director with the goal of using this opportunity as a learning experience.
“It was a very last minute decision, so it wasn’t really planned,” Bailey said. “I haven’t directed a full play since high school, but the other directors are very supportive as far as helping me with any questions I have.”
The play performed a total of four times during the week before finals, spread out between Dec. 11, 12, and 13. Holiday spirit is brought to the stage by the actors, who find fun in every aspect of the show.
“Everybody that’s in it is very positive,” Bailey said. “All of the kids are super excited to be there, so far the rehearsal process has been a lot of fun, and that’s what I want to focus on. Having fun, and not taking it too seriously, because everybody’s just there to have a good time.”
Actors in the Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon have experienced a different rehearsal environment with Bailey compared to other directors.
“Ms. Bailey is a lot more relaxed, because while she wants to produce a good show, she also wants the show to be fun for us,” Sophomore actress Liliana Garza said. “It’s going well so far, and everyone is excited and likes their character.”
Telling the stories of six different couples that formed during their stay in a small town inn, the play brings the formulaic plot of classic holiday films to the stage. The show is written to have an unserious nature, and is meant to provide the audience with a good time during the festive season.
“It is kind of making fun of hallmark movies,” Garza said. “It’s really cheesy, but the show is just supposed to be really fun and Christmas-y.”
According to freshman actress, Angelia Russell, relationships between cast members have strengthened through bonding over the lighthearted nature of the show.
“The show is so full of Christmas spirit,” Russell said. “Everyone’s really friendly with each other, and it’s a very cheesy, very silly play, so we all have something to laugh about together.”
A majority of experienced actors were cast in this year’s musical, Les Miserables, providing the winter play with a majority of students who are newer to acting. Bailey is able to take advantage of this educational showblock to practice her teaching, in addition to her directing.
“Most of the kids are all freshmen, so I get to work with a lot of newer actors, or actors who have only been in a few productions,” Bailey said. “Not only am I getting to experience directing, but I’m also getting to experience the coaching side of things, which I really enjoy.”
Wanting to ensure the success of her actors, Bailey directs with different methods. She believes that providing the students with instructions that match their learning style ensures that everyone can see what she envisions for the show.
“Some people are like visual learners, so I’m up on my feet interacting with them,” Bailey said. “Then some people are more methodical, they need to write things down, so I try to make sure that everybody gets the chance to get what they need.”
The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon contains a multitude of characters with personalities from cheery to grumpy. The actors have the opportunity to play different personas than they have in previous roles, and grow their acting abilities.
“I’m learning how to be more of an expressive character,” Russell said. “The previous shows that I’ve been in have been very long and slow and sad, but this one’s very fast paced, with fast scenes, and I get to be a lot more silly.”
Buried under the piles of holiday cheer, the play also shines a light on the possibility of love being found anywhere, referencing true Hallmark movie nature.
“The play itself is about a bunch of different couples coming together,” Russell said. “And also how you can find many kinds of love and friendship in a very odd setting.”
To actors, winter play is a chance to have fun while doing something they love. Unlike other showblocks, the actors feel free of the stress they usually experience during rehearsal.
“For the musical, there’s a certain level of pressure, and it feels like it has to be the best thing you’ve ever put on stage, because Bowie is known for their musicals and for putting out great shows,” Garza said. “For the winter show, you want to put out a great show, but it’s also just for fun.”
Performing with a festive mindset, the actors in the Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon bring their holiday spirit to the stage, for all to experience, providing a celebration of the upcoming winter holidays for all to see.
