Dear Future Thespians of Drama Club:
The allure of the stage is one that has drawn people all the way from the times of William Shakespeare to the days of Degrassi and House of Cards. There is a feeling one derives from performing in front of others, from entertaining a crowd, that cannot be matched– through even the best-tasting food or the most fire rap track. I joined Drama Club because the stage beckoned–and I have never, ever fallen out of love with performing. I give my word that, once you step onto the stage, you will never want to leave, either.
1. Do not be “afeard” to act like a donkey. In other words, don’t be scared if you sometimes make a “donkey” of yourself on stage. The primary thing about acting is that, once you’re up in front of the audience, you are no longer just another Pine View student. You are Bottom from A Midsummer Nights Dream, and your toga will probably fall off, too.
2. Love thy fellow actor like thine only son. Or to some lesser degree. But love is an integral part of drama club, and it’s evident between each and every officer and each and every member. Even the ones that run against each other for president. Mostly.
3. Ms. Moyer and Mr. Wiley are to be honored and cherished. I mean, on top of the endless devotion and respect and obedience and gifts of PDQ and baked goods. They deserve all.
4. Every part is important for a play to work. Even you, Spork #8 in “Be Our Guest.”
5. Never say no. You will be left scrambling for a line at some point in your acting career. Someone will probably offer you a rope to move on with the passage, and the number one rule of improv is not to say no. Never, never, not no how.
6. Drama is a family, not a cult. Shout out to Joe Carothers and Hannah Andrasi. Please don’t drink the Koolaid. Don’t go around campus yelling “cult” at other drama members. Or at least, don’t do it anymore.
Foster Swartz, Class of 2015
Vice President of Drama Club