Two Bothell High theater-arts students are headed to Lincoln, Neb., in June after strong presentations at the Washington State Thespian Conference held last month at Western Washington University.
Senior Rachel Dooley qualified in Stage Management after presenting a portfolio of her work as stage manager for the school’s winter production, “The SeussOdyssey.”
“I was asked to put together a production book, which needed to include dates from the rehearsals and performances of the show, a costume plot, a prop plot, a scenic change plot and a script with your blocking, lighting cues and sound cues. In the presentation, I was expected to explain the steps I went through as a stage manager and explain to the judges what I did to help make the director’s dream for the production a reality,” said Dooley.
Dooley hopes to attend Central Washington University and major in stage management.
“I do plan on pursuing stage management in the future. I feel like it is a large field that is always looking for more people. I intend on keeping around the stage and stage managing plays or musicals, however I have also discovered an interest in what stage managers might do upon cruise ships or in productions not set in a conventional theater,” she added.
Not only did Dooley stage manage the winter production, but she also helped form a technical theater club at Bothell High and serves as its first president. The club helps with set design and construction for all productions.
Sarah White, a junior, qualified in Costume Design. For her project, White created five costume designs for the play, “Freak.”
“I had to show my process of designing my costumes,” White said.
For her presentation, she had to record her inspirations for each design — in her case, it ranged from Disney’s Dumbo to impressionist artists.
“I had to also create a concept. A lot of people don’t realize that costume design is more than having the item look good — there is a lot of symbolism in most everything. For instance I used the color red to highlight the characters weaknesses,” she said.
Both students are now focusing on raising about $1,200 each to attend the festival. Anyone interested in contributing toward the girls’ efforts may contact Bothell High theater-arts instructor James Wilson at jwilson4@nsd.org.
