Darien's Theatre 308: A ‘family’ within a school

Written by Marguerite Morgan, Teen Times Reporter
Tuesday, 27 October 2009 11:00

“I think the arts in general are important for all of us. They give us the chance to understand the human species and tap into our creative resources” said Nancy Herman, the director and founder of Theatre 308, the theater program at Darien High School.

Herman, an English teacher, came to DHS in 1980, with the understanding that part of her job description was to develop a theater program. However, Ms. Herman didn’t just create a theater program; she created a home where all kinds of high school students can fit in. She formed a place for the students to feel comfortable, be themselves, and be challenged intellectually in ways that school academics can’t.

In high school, Ms. Herman was herself part of the drama club so she understands what theater can mean for high schoolers. She grew up with a passion for theater with parents who were both involved in community theater.

A large part of being the director of Theatre 308 means being in charge of auditions and choosing the cast. With the help of English teacher and production manager Alex Speiser, Ms. Herman has chosen the cast for this fall’s show, “The Curious Savage.”

Each year, Theatre 308 produces both a drama and a musical. This fall’s “The Curious Savage” is different from pervious productions. It is a comedy and has a smaller cast than a normal high school performance. This particular show is a leap from last year’s musical, “Les Miserables,” which had a much more dramatic storyline with a larger cast.

Because 308 is a student-centered organization, the plays are chosen by the students with the guidance of Ms. Herman. This year, it was close to unanimous that everyone wanted to perform a comedy, and almost every student agreed that The Curious Savage was the perfect fit. Once the play was chosen, there were weekly meetings and eventually auditions until the final cast was decided. While the stage crew is now busy building the set, rehearsals are in progress for actors and actresses every day after school.

Mr. Speiser, one of Herman’s most trusted colleagues, is the production manager. As the production manager, he works closely with Ms. Herman to make sure the rehearsals run smoothly, the set is built, and all aspects of the show come together in time for opening night.

Mr. Speiser became involved with Theatre 308 his first year at DHS. After helping with his first show, “Into the Woods,” he became hooked and returns to 308 each year. Mr. Speiser’s love for theater began in his senior year of high school when he became a part of the drama club’s stage crew. His passion flourished and continued into college.

“It is an extremely inclusive club,” Mr. Speiser said when asked why he thinks 308 is important at DHS. “At the end of a show the students can be satisfied with the fact that they have produced something really tangible that they can be proud of. It’s a student-centered organization where the students handle all the power.”

Although Mr. Speiser is passionate about Theatre 308, he does admit that it is a huge time commitment considering that he is also a dedicated English teacher at DHS. Rehearsals can go until 5:30 each day after school, along with the occasional rehearsals on Saturdays and Sundays. “The two weeks before opening night are extremely intense. Rehearsals can run until 11 p.m. It makes it hard to stay on top of grading,” he said.

Despite the long and vigorous hours that Theatre 308 requires, all sources made it clear that the amazing experience all students and faculty members take away from it is well worth the time.

Many theater students agreed that the warm and colorful personalities of the members of 308, is their favorite part of the program.

“Going to Theatre 308 puts me in a better mood. It’s not just a high school experience; it’s a life experience” sophomore Hannah Caldwell said.

The many graduates that continue to e-mail and call Ms. Herman as well as come to watch and help with the shows, is proof of the lasting impact that the program has on the kids.

“The number of kids that return to Theatre 308 to watch the shows and say ‘hi,’ lets me know that it has a powerful and positive effect on the kids. Even though they have moved on to bigger and better things, they still come back,” Speiser said.

Two of the lead roles of “The Curious Savage” are Mrs. Savage, played by junior Elizabeth Leimkuhler, and Samuel Savage, played by junior Alex Rankine.

Leimkuhler has been a part of Theatre 308 since freshmen year and admits that “it usually will take me until opening night to memorize my lines.”

Every student who spoke to Teen Times raved about the amazing faculty and fellow students involved in Theatre 308.

“Theatre 308 is a great family and everyone is always welcome,” sophomore Kevin Koenitzer said.

“The Curious Savage” will be presented Nov. 19-21 at Darien High School.