Six senior students at Hilton High School took to the stage on January 30 to present solo theatre pieces as part of their International Baccalaureate (IB) Theatre course. The young women were required to create and present a four- to eight-minute solo piece based on the work of a theorist of their choice. Each performer created, designed, directed, and performed the piece, then held a talkback session with the audience to evaluate the piece’s impact and the extent to which the piece fulfilled their artistic intentions.
Marianna Ban explored the life of a girl within the confines of her close-knit family in “Sunday Dinner,” which she based on the theories of Stella Adler and aspects of prop manipulation and imagination. Macy Hoffman drew inspiration from the theories of Bertolt Brecht in her presentation of “What’s More Important,” about the happy things in life that we don’t appreciate until they’re gone. Desirae Kluth performed “Missing Her,” recounting memories of the one she loves in that person’s absence. Carter Shults, who was born in New Orleans, presented “Lights Out,” based on the impact Hurricane Katrina had on her family and the people of New Orleans. She used Katie Mitchell’s theories of projection in tandem with movement, sound, and other aspects of theatre. Amanda Spencer presented “Dear Child,” based on her own childhood, for which she used the theories of Robert Lepage to explore video projections during a performance. Danielle Wegman explored the topic of high functioning mental illness with “Hidden Colors,” based on the theories of Robert Wilson. Ally Williams performed “Change His Ways” adapted from the lyrics of “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson and using aspects of Robert Wilson’s experimental theater stage direction.
IB Theatre is a two-year course during which students learn how to make theatric performances as creators, directors, designers, and performers. First year students study theatre creators and production design, develop performance skills, and learn about sound, light, set, costume, and make-up design. Second year students study theory and expand their understanding of the role of theatre director. Students who successfully complete two years of IB Theatre and all four assessments may be awarded college credit.
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