Photo Credit: photo with permission from Colonia Theater twitter page

Directing their actors, Julia Paradizova (Left) and Sarah Gregory (Right) prepare for their show.

This fall, Colonia High School is putting on a student directed showcase directed by Senior, Julia Paradizova, and Junior, Sarah Gregory.

Every year, Colonia High School puts on two shows, one in the fall and another in the spring. This year, Public Speaking teacher and former director, Ms. Montolvo is putting her trust in her former actors. Specifically, Julia Paradizova and Sarah Gregory. Paradizova is directing 13 Ways to Screw Up Your College Interview,  while Gregory is directing For Whom the Southern Belle Tolls. To make matters more interesting, the two are also teaming up to direct 14 More Ways to Screw Up Your College Interview.

Believe it or not, this is not the first time Colonia is putting on a student directed showcase. Last year, Colonia Alumni Devon Savage, Sarah Alvarez, and Danielle Coppola as well as Senior Lexii Turk put one on last year. It contained scenes from Unexpected Tenderness and Ordinary People as well as the Tarantino Variation. Last year was a huge success, some people calling it the best fall show Colonia has presented.

Instead of taking a darker road, this year, the theater department is taking a lighter approach, only doing comedies. This makes the shows more appealing to audiences and more accessible. Last year, the show Unexpected Tenderness left people in tears from the emotional depth. So this year, they decided to have people cry out of laughter. This makes out to be  a lot less stressful for everyone, including the directors and actors as they get to enjoy the experience rather than be forced to yell at their friends.

This is the first time Paradizova and Gregory are directing, but not their first time on stage, since both have been active members since their freshman years. Paradizova has starred in all two musicals and three fall plays since  freshman year. Gregory has been in two musicals and one fall play. In addition, since they both have experience with their actors, it allows the theater community to be a very close knit group where everybody are friends. This leads to better chemistry between the actors and directors which results in a better show.

Due to the fact both directors have been on stage with the actors before, expectations are high for the actors this year . Paradizova and Gregory know what they can do rather than to put pressure on the actors, which gives them reassurance. They know now is the time to show it what they’re made of.

Theater is more than just an acting experience. It is a way to make people better. As Paradizova put it, ” I expect them to grow as actors and as people.” Paradizova herself has been on stage and knows how it changes a person.

Ms. Montolvo wanted to share her love for directing to her students, the way it was shared with her. Art is meant to be passed on and that’s what they’re doing this year.

Supervisor, Ms. Montolvo recounts her college experience as inspirational for letting her students direct. ” I really loved my directing class in college and it made me have a passion for directing.”

With no new freshman coming in, they are hoping this year’s show brings in a new group of talent. With most of the group being either Seniors or Sophomores, they are looking for new people for when they graduate.

The fall showcase is November 17th and 18th at 7 p.m. Come out to support your fellow actors and director. Tickets will go on sale November 1st and can be purchased from any cast member, Mrs. Platko, Mrs. Abrams, or Ms. Montolvo.