Wachusett Regional High School will present Peter Pan and Wendy—a tale which may be familiar to many students—from November 15th to 17th. This year, a team of student actors will recreate the story on the auditorium stage with 2017 WRHS graduate Cameron Ward as their new director.
“Being on the other side of the audition table has really humbled me,” said Ward, “I want to make sure that all the actors feel comfortable here.”
Stepping into this role, Ward said he took the advice of a more experienced director, Alana Stern. Stern is the Regional’s media center specialist (teacher-librarian) and directed the play for ten years.
“I had Mrs. [Alana] Stern as a director when I went here,” said Ward. “Having an established relationship with someone you are now creatively working alongside makes my job much easier.”
Now serving as the play’s stage manager, Stern has been assisting Ward as he navigates his new responsibilities. “I’ve been helping the new director as he is not a teacher in the building,” said Stern.
Ward said he looked to Stern as a mentor and has enjoyed her guidance.
“Mrs. Stern has been a mentor to me,” said Ward. “She has given me agency to make my own creative choices for this show while also providing valuable advice and consent when needed, similar to an advisory type of role.”
However, Senior Sydney Demerjian, who plays Wendy, noted that Ward and Stern both have very different directing styles.
“Mrs. Stern would give directions in a very direct and blunt way. Cam [Ward] asks how we think the character would act,” said Demerjian. “I like both ways. Mrs. Stern offered good guidance and Cam offers more freedom.”
Ward said that he sees every cast member individually.
“Every student brings their own special skills to the show,” said Ward. “In choosing the cast I paid close attention through auditions to what the actors can uniquely bring to their characters.”
Senior Charly Heinrich, who portrays Peter Pan, said their time in theater has given them experience regarding theater practices and different directing styles.
“I can tell he [Ward] has a passion for theater,” said Heinrich. “It is cool to have a director who has real life experience in the theater industry.”
Before every rehearsal, Ward said he takes time for theater exercises so his cast can better understand acting.
“These exercises add my own twist on how I personally believe in directing a show,” said Ward. “[They are] building the skill set of the actors alongside the staging of the script. It is also a great opportunity for them to share a piece of themselves with their fellow castmates that they will be working closely with.”
Heinrich shared a similar perspective on theater.
“Cast members need to fully step into and immerse themselves in their character,” said Heinrich. “Every person’s theater experience and level is different. I think that these exercises are great for learning the basics, such as projection and finding the light.”
Participating in theater since freshman year, Demerjian stated her opinion on Ward’s exercises.
“I think the games are great to help improve acting skills and getting to know fellow cast members,” said Demerjian. “ They have their benefits and drawbacks. They take up a lot of time in the first hour of rehearsals, which does take away time from the show.”
Sophomore Ada Hillier was cast as a Lost Boy in this year’s production, and commented on Ward’s directing style.
“He is a really cool director,” said Hillier. “He has all these ideas that interpret the play in ways that are not written.”
Senior Anna Berger attended the play last year after being invited by the art department for setting up cast photo collages. She expressed her opinion on the abilities of actors in each production.
“I’ve been to all the plays throughout my time at this school. They’re always consistent in skills,” said Berger.
Demerjian shared her opinions on this year’s production of Peter Pan and Wendy.
“The show really is great for all ages. It’s a classic show with youthful characters and nostalgia for adults. For teens, it features a loving yet difficult relationship between Peter and Wendy,” said Demerjian.
Stern agreed.
“People should come to the play because it’s family friendly, has shorter runtime, and is a classic story that appeals to a wide audience–even those who might not typically seek-out live theater,” said Stern.
Demerjian said that she enjoys the play’s ending.
“Peter and Wendy have such a complex relationship that in the end just doesn’t work. I think it shows that people just aren’t always destined to be together,” said Demerjian.
To see the play, tickets ($10 for students) for the 7 p.m. performances on November 15th and 16th and the 2:00 p.m. performance on November 17th will be sold within the main office, at the door, and at Hodge Podge, 140 Reservoir Road, Holden. All are encouraged to come.
“The cast and crew are working so diligently on this show,” said Stern. “I know it will be an enjoyable production.”
