Since the start of the pandemic, live performance has become a rare occurrence on our campus. For the safety of all, large gatherings of any kind have been prohibited; however, for the performance majors and faculty of Viterbo, a glimmer of hope took place on Viterbo’s mainstage in the form of “Selections from Spring Awakening,” a student run show directed by second year music theatre major, Katie Wall.
The production was one of the Student Theatre Initiative projects (STI) that were offered to students during the fall semester. “Selections from Spring Awakening,” originally set to premiere in November, opened and closed before a select audience on January 22 and 23. No matter the date or crowd size, Katie Wall, as well as all members of the production, were determined to tell their story.
“It is very fulfilling,” said Wall, “it is so nice to do theatre and see theatre done again,” Wall told the Lumen last fall that she hand-selected the dialogue, scenes, and songs of this story.
“It’s a little bit of everything,” Wall continued. Wall said that she made the selections she felt told “the story and [gave] the themes the attention that they deserve.”
This desire was felt by the entire production team. Braden Gere, a third-year music theatre major who played various roles, leaped at the opportunity to join when he was offered the chance, just two weeks before its opening.
“There was a member who left the show for a prior commitment,” explained Gere, “I got put in a week before last semester ended and I had a week this semester. So, only about two full weeks to be ready, but it was all worth it.”
Gere stated that the story, specifically the awareness it gives to present societal issues, was what inspired him to take the leap. “It was pretty easy,” Gere said, “all the cast made it super welcoming. It was a safe space to mess up before I got it right.”
One of the people who contributed to this safe space was Morgi Miller, second-year music theatre, who took position as the show’s music director. Miller said she is grateful for the “opportunity to do something that [she] would normally not be able to do in college or in the professional world.”
Miller also commented on the many obstacles the pandemic presented. “Obviously with COVID challenges were faced by everyone,” stated Miller, “There were moments where we were like, ‘is the show even going to happen?’ But we all stayed determined to put on this show. The cast and crew worked very hard and we did the thing!”
Each member of the show spoke in a similar vein about these difficulties; however, Miller spoke for everyone when she said, “I feel great and I could not be happier about it.” This feeling of gratefulness was exuded by each member we interviewed.
The show offered many opportunities for learning and growth. A majority of these opportunities were performed by a single person; that person was first– year, music theatre major, Ian Zempel.
Zempel wore many hats in this production. He stated, “My jobs came in phases. I started by accompanying music rehearsals, then recorded 15 of the 17 tracks for the show and ran sound during the performances.”
Zempel, the assistant music director, told the Lumen that though it was a lot of work, “It was good practice.” He said he learned many new skills, but ultimately “There was no pressure, [he] really felt in [his] zone.”
From the audience’s perspective, it seemed all production members were in their zone. “Selections from Spring Awakening” served as a reminder that more productions like these are soon to come. We just have to remain safe and remain patient.
