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Junior Wildcat Theatre Prepares for Upcoming Productions


Stettler Performing Arts Centre
A bird's eye view of Junior Wildcat Theatre rehearsals. Photo by Shonna Burkard

StettlerLocal.com June 5, 2023 at 7:45 pm


Stettler's Junior Wildcat Theatre is preparing two one-act plays to be presented at the Performing Arts Centre June 8-10.


The Theatre Arts 8 and Theatre Arts 9 classes will present the comedies Knock, Knock and So You Want to be a Cheerleader, which have been in rehearsals for several weeks.


"We started auditions in March and the students have been rehearsing in class ever since," says Shonna Burkard, Grade 8 TA/Math/Drama. "On average, we rehearse two or three times a week."


Stettler Junior Wildcat Theatre
Students get into character for So You Want to be a Cheerleader. Photo by Shonna Burkard

Burkard says 12 students are involved in the Grade 8 show, while 18 students are with the Grade 9 production. These numbers include all cast and crew.


"Besides myself, the production is put on entirely by the students," she says. "There is obviously help from some staff members with things like programs, costumes, set construction, ticket sales, etc."


Two one-act plays were chosen, instead of one longer production, because Theatre Arts courses were set up as two separate classes this year. Additionally, most rehearsals were done during class time.


Burkard says she read a lot of plays to find two that were the right fit for the students and the school timeframe.


"The students were a bit taken aback by how much work goes into putting on a production," says Burkard, "so they have had to make some sacrifices to make it all work. I would like to think they all believe it was worth it. It has been a lot of fun, but hard work as well."

Stettler's Junior Wildcat Theatre
Rehearsal for Knock Knock. Photo by Shonna Burkard

She says the experience has been extremely rewarding for the students, from developing more skill and confidence, to forging new friendships. But Burkard has found the process rewarding for herself as well.


"I have a passion for theatre and I try to pass that onto the kids," she says, "and it's great to see that passion rub off onto them. I love watching the excitement grow as we get closer to the show dates. I am always impressed with how it all comes together, even with all the hiccups along the way."


Knock Knock and So You Want to be a Cheerleader run June 8-10 at Stettler PAC. Shows start at 7:00 pm, and tickets are available at William E. Hay Stettler Secondary Campus and Wells Furniture. Adults $10, Students/Seniors $7.


Stettler Local Editor


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