THS drama presents 'Emily Brontë, Teenage Necromancer'

Joscelyn Martinez.

The cast of the play laughing over a humorous prop being used.

Fifteen theatre students stood in the Tehachapi High drama room and expressed what they were feeling at that exact moment. Some said they felt nervous, others excited. It was a bittersweet time for the seniors graduating at the end of the school year. This shared moment of vulnerability was part of the rehearsal process for their production of "Emily Brontë, Teenage Necromancer."

Written by Don Zolidis, it is based off the work of English novelist and poet Emily Brontë. The play follows sisters Emily, Charlotte and Anne as the try to uncover the mystery behind their school's haunting. The play uses intricate lighting and a minimal set to create a dark atmosphere that lures in the audience and keeps them hooked on the haunting of Roe Head School for Girls.

While the protagonist was more timid and softspoken in real time, her character in the play adaptation is bold and outgoing. THS senior and cheerleader Maliya Snyder expressed her excitement for being cast in the play and as the lead role. "The best part of this production was getting to know who got cast as what," said Snyder. "People are going to be able to show their talent and skill because the characters they were cast as fit them so perfectly. It is going to be a great performance."

When asked about the dynamic between her fellow actors, Snyder spoke highly of the girls cast as her sisters. "As actors, we already had a close friendship. This production has made our bond so much stronger."

Drama teacher Monica Nadon used her background in theatre and acting to direct the production. She prefers a minimal set design and lighting changes to put more focus onto the actors and the stories they are telling. Her vast knowledge in the world of theatre has given her the opportunity to direct sell-out shows at the school like "Trap" and "The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon." It is safe to say that this play will keep viewers engaged as the mystery unravels around the haunting of Roe Head School for Girls.

The production will take place in the Tehachapi High School Drama Room, 801 S. Dennison Rd. The play will run from Nov. 14-16 at 7 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinee on Nov. 16. General admission tickets are $10 or $8 with ASB card.

Find more details at their website: http://www.onthestage.tickets/tehachapi-high-school-drama/.

Joscelyn Martinez.

From left to right, Kate Buck, Maliya Snyder, and Amy Statom rehearsing a scene from the first act of the play.