From student government to club councils, student leadership has always taken center stage at Communications High School (CHS). Standing in the wings are the students in Drama Club that lead CHS productions from the start to the final curtain.
In many high school theater productions, shows are directed and produced by teachers or other trained adults. The CHS Drama Club takes an alternate approach, as they have a team of only students.
Junior Christiania DeNicola of Tinton Falls is the upcoming Drama Club Director and a theater native. DeNicola is well-versed with the triumphs and challenges of putting on a student-run show.
“It’s incredible to see us put together productions that people who have master’s degrees in theater have done at the same level,” DeNicola said.
To emulate this professionalism, responsibilities are delegated between the Director, Producer and several department heads. This works to align the minds of each student, as cooperation is the Drama Club’s priority.
“No one understands a student-run production until they do it, because everyone has to work together or else it won’t work out,” DeNicola said in reference to common obstacles she has faced.
Other Monmouth County schools like High Technology High School, Christian Brothers Academy, and Manasquan High School have joined CHS in striving for a student-run system.
Freshman Charlotte Mathias of Long Branch explains that the appeal of a student-led production is the authentic end result. Mathias is an active member of Drama Club, as she acted in both the Fall Play and the Spring Musical.
“I realize that it is only possible for teenagers to put on productions like ours. The heads of our club use their creativity to put on such entertaining shows, something I think most adult directors are incapable of,” Mathias said. “I think younger directors have lots of fresh ideas and can understand the pacing of our generation’s humor.”
The effort and ingenuity of the CHS students have built up an array of accomplishments for their Drama Club. Most recently, members of the Drama Club council graced the stage of the Basie Awards. The Basie Awards are held at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank and recognize Monmouth County high schools that have proved excellence in the many moving parts of a production. On May 22, theater kids and theater lovers alike attended the awards to await the results. CHS’s production of Clue was nominated twice, received two honorable mentions, and won the title of Outstanding Stage and Tech Crew of a Play.
While recognition is always well-received, the club seeks more than validation. At the heart of Drama Club, the student-run system works toward a peer-to-peer learning experience and promotes leadership development.
Sophomore Abigail Riddle of Colts Neck reflects on her time in Drama Club so far with much appreciation. Riddle will be the Assistant Producer next year and has acted in several of the club’s past productions.
“Drama Club has taught me to put myself out there the first opportunity I get, and never to be scared of the possibilities,” Riddle said.
