BYU’s Theatre and Media Arts Department is getting ready to debut its production of “High School Musical” on May 30.
The cast has been working hard since March to prepare for the opening night of the production. This has included four-hour rehearsals each night for a few months.
As the date approaches, costume designers, set crews and actors are all putting on the finishing touches.
Unlike most theatre productions at BYU, this cast isn’t limited to theatre majors. Director Geoff Reynolds opened the stage to students from all disciplines because of student shortages over the spring and summer.
“It was really important to me, because of the content of 'High School Musical' and ‘we’re all in this together,' that we have to have a sense of people from multiple backgrounds,” Reynolds said.
Accounting major Mark Whisenant is one of those students. He spent his winter semester in rigorous classes and long library hours.
“Going to rehearsal for four hours after that is pretty tiring, but it’s been super fun and totally worth it,” Whisenant said.
Despite the challenges and long rehearsal hours, cast members, like Kate Jones, are looking for the positive.
“Finding joy in the hard parts of the work,” Jones said. "Going to rehearsal is hard, and not seeing my friends is hard, but finding joy throughout these things is so important."
Taking hold of the lyrics from the “High School Musical” song “We’re All in This Together,” the BYU cast has found unity and joy throughout the production process.
After months of rehearsals, Reynolds said the team is ready to shine.
“It’s been really awesome to watch this cast exude joy and desire to do just good and quality work,” Reynolds said. "It's been really enlivening for me."
The cast will be performing from May 30 to June 14. Tickets are available on the BYU Theatre and Media Arts Website.