Performing is a large part of the NCHS Theatre. NCHS theatre usually offers “three main stage shows per year” (https://www.natronacountyhs.org/activities). With the social distancing restrictions that are in place, the theatre class has found other  ways to perform. 

When asked by fellow reporter, Emma Johns, what the theater class is performing, Mr. Schneider said, “We are working on the classic Greek tragedy Antigone in my Advanced Theatre class. Since we can’t perform for a live audience due to COVID, I wanted to do something that would allow for social distancing with the actors.”  

The Greek tragedy Anitgone is a play by Sophocles. Sophocles was a Greek poet who lived from 496-406 BCE. He was an advisor in Athens, Greece, where he was in charge of the city’s finances. Sophocles also wrote the play “Oedipus the King”, which some consider to be a classic, and one that all NCHS IB English students read.

Mr. Schneider also said “We also needed something that we could record and put online. We are looking to record at the beginning of November and hope to have the play available on the NCTV youtube site a few weeks later. That is the set that is being built right now.”   Due to concerns about  the spread of Covid-19, NCHS Theatre is not performing for a live audience at this time. 

When they do perform for live audiences, the performances usually happen in the John J. Walsh auditorium. This auditorium was built between 1923-1941 in the Collegiate Gothic style., which was popular at the time, (National Historic Register). This architectural style can be seen in the historic lobby outside the auditorium, as well as in the auditorium itself.  Though the auditorium was renovated during the NCHS 2017 renovations, much of the historical decorations, such as the ceiling tiles were preserved. 

NCHS Theatre hopes to perform for a live audience in the future, but in the meantime, theatre students are going to produce recorded shows for theatre enthusiasts to enjoy online.