MHHS's drama program provides a plethora of plays

Sunday, May 10, 2009
Students rehearse for the upcoming production of "The Glass Slipper," a Cinderella story.

The Mountain Home High School drama department has thrived since being taken over by Tonya Page back in 2000.

Page took over for Betty Ashcraft, who moved on to teach at Mountain Home Junior High, before recently retiring from teaching. Ashcraft currently serves as a member of the Mountain Home Arts Council.

The number of students in the program for both Ashcraft and Page have remained consistent over the years, three full classes of 25-30 students each, a figure that Page expects to double next year with the ninth-grade students becoming part of the high school.

Currently, Page teaches introductory theater, Encore Company (for advanced students) and American Literature. "I wanted to give the kids their money's worth, basically to have an education in theater and for them to know something about acting and about the technical aspects of theater as well. I think I accomplished that," said Page on her goals for the students.

Over the last few years, Page was adamant about putting on performances with titles that are familiar to the viewing audience, such as "Charlie and The Chocolate Factory."

"These shows tend to draw an audience because people know the titles and they get to bring their kids, which is good since we live in a family oriented community," said Page.

Page has managed the students to success in competitions, including the District 3 Drama Competition held last November, where Mountain Home finished third out of a field of 14 competing schools. Mountain Home advanced to the state drama competition, where out of a field of 50 competing schools, Mountain Home finished in fifth place with five students winning individual medals.

The department currently has no drama fund nor financial support from the school district. The department receives a large portion of its funding from ticket sales, which aid in the purchase of costumes, sets, makeup and pay for royalties to do the show.

To help further the program's success, Page is implementing a tech class for next year, which will focus on all things backstage, such as set designing and painting.

For Mountain Home High School, the athletic department has earned more publicity than any other department, but according to Page the commitment of the students, whether in drama or in athletics, is equal.

"I think the commitment level of the students is the same, the interest level is the same. It keeps them more involved with the school. Any activity or coach that could keep kids involved in school is amazing," said Page.

Page will close out this year's season with performances of "The Glass Slipper" (Cinderella) on May 6-9 and "101 Dalmations" on May 14-16, with a special matinee performance for Hacker Middle School students on May 15.

"The Glass Slipper" will be put on by Page's intro theater class. Page describes it as a "culmination of their hard work." The play is student directed by senior Encore Co. members Ava Carlos, April Kerbyson, and Spencer Smith, and features students in the intro theatre class. "Students have rehearsed and worked on technical aspects of the production since March and they are excited to see their work on stage," said drama instructor Taunya Page.

The 101 Dalmations shows will also serve as a fundraiser for the local humane society. Page hopes to use some of their canines for the show.

During the first week of July, Page will be leading a "Summer Stock" session for high school students in grades 9-12. Page will be holding open auditions for roles in "The Wizard of Oz."

During the session, Page will teach the students about production and provide the unique experience of the theater.

Next year, the drama department will feature performances of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" in October, "Frosty The Snowman" in December and sometime in late May, "Babe."

Page, a 20-year resident of Mountain Home, graduated from Mountain Home High School in 1990. She received her English degree from BSU and her masters from Central Washington University.

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  • Is it Tonya or Taunya? I am impressed with the way this paper trumpets education yet its own writers are lacking in editing, proof reading and language skills.

    -- Posted by SoThisIsSmallville on Mon, May 11, 2009, at 3:54 PM
  • it is Taunya

    -- Posted by lilmissmelmo on Tue, May 12, 2009, at 10:13 AM
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