Tri-School Productions’ fall play “Argonautika” held its opening night performance on the evening of Friday, October 17. It was evident that the entire cast and crew put their all into this production.
The play tells the story of the ancient Greek hero Jason and the Argonauts as they journey to find the golden fleece. The cast used creativity, humor and teamwork to bring the play to life on stage.
“I was really surprised,” said audience member and Carlmont HS sophomore Julie Clap. “It was so much cooler than I thought it was gonna be … Everything was so detailed.”
The stage crew worked tirelessly to make sure that everything went according to the script. All of the lights and sounds as well as the set and props really were key factors in the illusion of being transported from Serra HS’s Gellert Auditorium to ancient Greece. Every little piece of the production was handled with care during the performance itself.
Twice a school year, Tri-School Productions puts on an amazing show, pulling off a professional production in only a few months.
It started back in September when 37 anxious Tri-School students took a leap and auditioned for “Argonautika.” For the first time, there was a small group improvisation exercise because the play was going to be such a big ensemble show.
Lawrence Long is the director of Tri-School Productions. For the audition, he let each student perform a monologue of their choice.
When the cast and crew were announced, everyone found out that Long decided not to cut anybody because everyone showed so much talent and excitement.
“I got greedy …,” said Long. “I want every single one of you [students] here because I think we’re gonna have a blast.”
The cast and crew settled into daily rehearsals through September and October. Every day after school, students could be found in the theater from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
One of the cast members is NDB senior Zoe Hart. She plays the Greek goddess Athena, one of the two narrators of the play. She started with Tri-School Productions during her freshman year and has been a part of it ever since.
“I’m sad that it’s ending, but I really enjoyed all the shows and opportunities I’ve had and all the people I’ve gotten to meet,” said Hart. “So, I’m excited to finish out this year with a bang.”
Being cast as one of the leads, Hart had to memorize over 100 lines. Her advice for memorizing so much is to start early, so that one can get a lot of repetition in. She also likes to voice record the other actors’ lines, so she can practice her cues as if she is having a real dialogue.
Not only were the actors there every day, but also the stage managers and crew members. The production is managed by three students: Senior Natalie Padilla from Mercy HS in Burlingame serves as the stage manager and is assisted by two juniors, Edward Morton from Serra HS and Sofia Baeza also from Mercy HS.
During the show, Padilla sits at the back of the auditorium with the lights and sound system. Her job is to make sure all the sound and light cues come in at exactly the right time. These cues are figured out down to the second during tech week to make sure everything goes smoothly.
While the actors got all the glory, the stage crew meticulously built the set and props, including the boat that carries them through the performance. They spent weeks turning the theater into an ancient Greek world. Every sword, belt and monster was carefully crafted by these dedicated students.
“It all turns out looking beautiful,” explained costumer and NDB senior Maggie Blanchard. “You wouldn’t know just how much work goes into … the finished product.”
The cast and crew do so much more than meets the eye, and it is important to appreciate every contribution from all.
The last two performances are on Friday, Oct. 24 and Saturday, Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m. at Serra HS. Tickets may be purchased at TriSchoolProductions.com.
