Air Academy High School’s fall production of Our Town is opening in one week and the cast and crew have been working tirelessly to ensure that this play is ready to showcase.

These dedicated individuals involved in AAHS’s theater program have rehearsed every day for a couple of hours after school since September. The amount of effort and hard work that everyone has put into this production is truly inspiring to see. 

“It takes a great deal of time and effort to put together a production. Every day after school since the last week of September, students have been rehearsing, memorizing, building sets, painting, focusing lights, and learning how to run tech,” director, Susan Manst, explained. 

Much like student-athletes, students involved in theater have had to give up a good amount of their time to make this production as spotless as it can be, but to them, it is all worth it in the end.

“It’s taken incredible amounts of time to perfect the production in a way that everyone can enjoy,” sophomore Adrian Rivas commented.

The theater is a creative outlet for several students since it is a very freeing experience for them. In addition to this, making memories with the people they enjoy working with impacts students’ lives for the better.

“The cast of Our Town is made up of the kindest, most genuine people I have ever met,” sophomore Genevieve Newton said.

Having rehearsals every day after school, for some students, can be a little draining. However, the positive environment that AAHS’s theater department provides makes this process easier and more enjoyable.

“Every day I look forward to going to practice, which coming from someone who has done loads of other sports and extracurricular activities, that is incredibly rare to find,” Newton continued. 

Not only can this experience impact the student’s lives, but it also impacts the teachers and staff who work with the students. 

“I have enjoyed directing the cast in building meaningful, believable relationships,” Manst described.

Having an audience at performances can change the dynamics of the show. It means a lot to everyone who puts forth effort into the show to see people who want to come and support them.

“If the audience is engaged and enjoying themselves then the actors will have more comfort in giving their best performance,” Comer noted.

When performing, it generally helps students to see people they know in the audience. Knowing that there’s someone in the crowd for them can make a huge difference. 

“We’ll definitely notice our hard work has paid off and the atmosphere will feel amazing,” Rivas observed.

Our Town is a classic show written by Thornton Wilder about the value of life and why people should not take it for granted. It’s a very entertaining and eye-opening show for anyone who chooses to watch.

“Our Town is one of the most famous American plays of all time. The students who are involved on and off stage have put so much energy to make this another great AAHS production,” Manst informed.

The performances will be held at AAHS in Filsinger Hall on November 3rd, 4th, and 5th at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $8 for Students/Seniors and $12 for Adults. They are available to purchase online at www.showtix4u.com or at the door. 

“If you haven’t seen a show at Air Academy, you’re missing out,” Newton added.

The theater department at AAHS appreciates everyone’s support and hopes to continue bringing entertainment, joy, and memories that will last a lifetime.