By: Allyson Zamora
Everyone is looking forward to Redwood’s fall play, as they definitely should! Up the Down Staircase is the play this year, and students that are participating are very excited. The students involved are not only the performers, but students that work behind the scenes. Stagecraft plays a very important role in our school’s yearly production.
Our drama teacher and stagecraft instructor Mrs. Galvan, always brings the script to life using her own visions and creativity. “Sometimes I do research…this one is easy and straightforward.” For this play, Galvan is planning to modernize the high school idea of the play. She describes the set as an “intercity school, it takes on the appearance of sierra vista.” Galvan will structure the set based on “An old school that things have been added to, to modernize it.” The set of the show takes hard work and imagination to fully complete the production.
Without the hard work done by stagecraft students, the fall play would not be possible. Israel Cisneros, ’21, enjoys stagecraft and he feels that it is fun and something he immediately liked doing from the start. Cisneros admits to learning so much within the first few weeks of school. He explains the daily assignments as “She gives us assignments, and once we finish we ask, what do we do next?” Cisneros and the many other students in stagecraft are very ambitious and ready to bring the fall play to success.
Although many students are excited when it comes to helping the fall play, there are some challenges that can be difficult to overcome. Erin Olson, ’20, wanted to join stagecraft to see beyond the stage and to “see what it takes to put on a show.” Olson enjoys being a part of the behind the scenes aspects of the show but admits struggles such as “Everything has to be exactly perfect.” Challenges are only a part of the learning process for Olson and many others, “I have learned a lot of teamwork.”
The talented actors are not the only thing seen on stage, the set and background have a major impact on the production itself. Osvaldo Gonzalez-Garcia, ’20, chooses to stick with stagecraft because of his passion for building. He likes to “see the before and after, it is really cool.” Garcia admits to facing obstacles such as “when we are building something and it doesn’t quite work out.” Garcia and others involved in stagecraft persevere through any struggles because when the show is being performed, it is very rewarding to see their creations on stage.
Obviously stagecraft is great at planning the fall play, but it is also good preparation for students interested in a career around this area. Jenna Agredano, ’20, chooses stagecraft because she likes to be useful offstage. Agredano feels as if this is a prep for the future “I plan on going into technical theater.” Being involved in stagecraft is not only fun but is rewarding for Agredano and many others.
To see the amazing contributions of stagecraft, come and watch Redwood’s fall play October 9, 10 and 12!
Allyson Zamora
Allyson ('22) is a senior and this is her third year writing with the Gigantea. Writing has always been a strong passion for her, and she enjoys writing and editing for arts and entertainment. Outside of the Gigantea, she is involved in hip hop dance, and enjoys performing in Redwood’s plays and musicals. She looks forward to a career in law. You can reach her by email at allys.za8185@vusd.us
Tags: acting, Actors, drama, fall play, mrs.galvan, redwood high school, talent
