After years of no theatrical productions by Eufaula High School students, the curtain will soon rise for an evening of one act plays.
The journey to make this happen has been an exercise from tragedy to triumph led by EHS’s new drama and speech instructor, Selina Jayne-Dornan.
She faced four classes of would-be actors with not a single script for them to read or a budget to buy any.
Just as there are no small parts, only small actors, Dornan proved there are no theatrical obstacles too difficult to overcome.
She applied for and received a $5,000 grant to buy an extensive script library and provide funds to pay royalties, buy costumes, sets, and music.
The grant was awarded by the Carolyn Watson Rural Oklahoma Community Foundation which is administered by the Oklahoma City Community Foundation which aims to help students develop creativity, confidence, and communication skills.
Mark your calendars now for 7 p.m. Friday, May 9, when Dornan’s three high school classes will each present oneact plays: “Squad Goals” and “Return of the Script” by Don Zolidis, plus “War Letters” by J. Robert Wilkins.
Senior students Hannah Kennedy and Fenix Kilgore will also sing a special musical tribute.
The Zolidis plays are light-hearted comedies by a former high school drama teacher – probably conducive to delightfully over-the-top flair and gusto.
“War Letters” centers around the three women left behind when a man is deployed on an overseas peacekeeping mission— his wife, mother, and daughter.
That cast will also perform that play, which portrays the sacrifices demanded of both soldiers and their families, for a March 25 VFW luncheon for the Friendly Lake Eufaula Area Supporters, commonly known as FLEAS.
Prior to the public shows, the students will have their opening performances in front of their peers on the high school stage April 15.
Dornan’s middle school 7th and 8th grade class is in rehearsal now for a short musical, “Could You Hug a Cactus” which they hope to go on with the show in front of elementary school students.
The curtain rises again in Eufaula, thanks to a professional actress turned temporary teacher determined to make it happen and the foundation that has provided more than $3.8 million to schools, charitable organizations, and state and local Oklahoma governments since its establishment in 1995.
Cue the lights! Let the drama begin. Bravo!
Eufaula mayor, is speech and drama instructor at both Eufaula High School and Eufaula Middle School.
