2:40 pm
It’s sixth hour and Soph. Lily Hemmeke begins to pack up her bag after a long and draining school day. Finally, time to go home. Then suddenly she pauses and thinks to herself.“Wait…. What day is it? It’s Thursday! Today is DRAMA CLUB!”
Hemmeke speeds down the hallway and runs past The Perk to turn towards the art/choir hallway. She’s walking so fast she almost trips. But that didn’t matter. To her, Drama Club was the best part of her day because it allowed her to release all of her energy into one room with a bunch of her friends. Even if it was only for 30 minutes.
3:00 pm
As Sr. Caedmon Kephart kicks off the meeting, the new WO PAC green room is bustling with energy.
“Hello everybody and welcome to Drama Club! To start, say your name, grade, and the question of the day is: What is your go-to McDonald’s order?”
“Hi, my name is Jose Estupinan, I’m a senior and my go-to order is the five-dollar meal deal.”
“Hi, my name is Derek McLean, I’m a freshman, and my go-to order is a ten-piece nugget with a Sprite and fries.”
“Hi, my name is Peyton Reed, I’m a sophomore and my go-to order is a Happy Meal.”
Drama Club provides a way for any student interested in theater to participate, even if they don’t
participate on stage in WO Theater productions. It allows students to express themselves without the pressure of a packed audience.
Drama Club is a place for students to unwind and have fun with friends where students can often be found dancing, chatting, eating yummy snacks, and playing improv games. It’s a way for students to end their school day on a positive and happy note.
For some, drama club is a tactic used to escape reality and the difficulties of daily life and its struggles.
“As a student doing after-school activities and dual enrollment at Western; I’ve been very busy and stressed about my schoolwork. Drama Club gives me a fun break and a chance to hang out with friends!” Said Frosh McKinleySpooner
For others, Drama Club is a place to create relationships. “For me, Drama Club is a place
where I am surrounded by people who share similar interests with me and a place where I can build stronger relationships with people in the theater realm. It’s special for me because I am an
officer, so I can help lead the club and make it fun for everyone who attends. Sr. Kayleigh Dannels said.
Drama Club officers Sr. Caedmon Kephart, Sr. Kayleigh Dannels, Sr. Lauren Espy, and Soph. Michael Siersma put a lot of time and work into planning meetings and events while creating an environment where everyone feels included.
Kephart said, “The best part about being a Drama Club officer has been allowed to bring theater to those who might not otherwise experience it. I love playing fun, unique
games and making improv accessible.” In addition to weekly meetings, the Drama Club organizes and participates in some unique opportunities to practice their craft.
Open Mic Nights.
Café Apollo is an open mic event that was started by the 1997 WO Drama Club. Today, in addition to Café Apollo, the Drama Club hosts multiple events with names inspired by Greek Gods. Cafe Dionysus, Cafe Hercules, and Cafe Persephone.
This year’s Cafe Apollo will take place on Thursday, December 12 in the North LGI room. Students use the event to prepare for the Thespian Festival, where some members perform songs and monologues in front of judges.
Thespian Festival
Thespian Festival is an event where Drama Club members/thespians gather with other high school
thespians from all over the state of Michigan. The weekend is full of workshops, live shows, and fun.
Inducted thespians can perform at the event, and based on their performance can earn awards and
scholarships. Workshops are offered where students can learn anything from sword fighting to salsa
dancing.
The thespian festival is a great place to improve your skills, meet new people, and dig a little deeper into the theater community.
These Drama Club events are great stress relievers because students are given a chance to be taken away from the stress of school and life overall by releasing their energy into something fun and entertaining around people who care for one another.
Theater Banquet
At the end of the theater season, the Drama Club holds an event called Theater Banquet! A live performance event planned and coordinated fully by students.
Students from the Drama Club perform songs, monologues, and amazing group dance numbers. Newly inducted thespians are announced, awards are given, and the Drama club officers for next year are announced.
At the end of the night, the theater community comes together on stage to perform our
traditional warm-up song “Proud” by Heather Small. This event is the exclamation point at the end of the WO Drama Club year.
West Ottawa Drama Club has been around for decades and for good reason. It provides an opportunity for students who appreciate the performing arts to take a risk and try something new, without judgment.
It gives students a reason to be excited at the end of the day and look forward to releasing all of their bottled energy and overall tiredness.
It’s a place where whether a person participates a little or a lot- they always feel included and welcome.
It’s a community that encourages silliness, creativity, and acceptance, which is why it has come to mean so much to so many.
3:30 pm
“Oh my gosh!” Hemmeke exclaimed. “That went by way too fast!”
“I know,” said Frosh. McKinley Spooner. I’m so excited for the next one.”
“Me too.” She replied, “Drama Club is the best!”
If you want to learn more about Drama Club our Google classroom code is ivkaeox and our Instagram is
@WODramaClub. You can contact any of the officers through email if you have any further questions.
Join Drama Club!!!!!
