On Dec. 2 and 3 at 7 p.m., Walpole High School’s 2022 musical performance, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, will be presented for any and all who wish to watch. The new WHS Drama Club director, Kendra Nutting, after music directing  Seussical the Musical in 2021, encourages students to take part in this year’s musical. Dance auditions will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 14, and Friday, Sept. 16 after school in the auditorium. Singing and acting auditions are on Monday, Sept. 19 in the auditorium. In order to prepare for the singing and acting audition, auditioners must sing one of the chosen audition pieces and act with one of the monologues, both of which are available on the drama club website provided at the bottom.

The lead in Seussical last year was performed by Junior Alex Richardson, who wishes to audition again this year for numerous reasons. Richardson feels that performing in Seussical was a driving factor for auditioning this year. 

“I loved being in Seussical and acting with all of my friends. I would love to have that experience again this year,” said Richardson. 

There is a sense of community within the drama club that participating in the musical enhances. “I would love to have that experience again this year,” Richardson said.  Whether new to participating in the WHS musical or not, it is a way to naturally express yourself through dancing, acting, and singing. The creative outlet made by the musical is one reason why Richardson enjoys it, but she feels that even though she loves acting, she is also excited about “meeting new people and seeing old friends.” The community produced by the musical is the best way to show the “positive energy of the drama environment.” When it comes to auditioning, Richardson shared her mindset on how students who are auditioning for the first time should mentally prepare. “Don’t overthink it. Have faith in yourself and your amazing abilities, you can do anything you set your mind to,” said Richardson. 

Nutting is excited to start back up with You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. Because of the pandemic, the ability to go out to public events has been haltered, and Nutting believes there has been some trouble in getting back on track. 

“What the pandemic did, is it kind of made us forget what, like, going to the theater or going to the movies or going to like any kind of public entertainment event is like and how fun it can be,” said Nutting. 

Especially with the lifted mask mandate, participating in the musical is a major way that the WHS community can come together again with a shared goal of making their performance the best they can possibly make it. If not a cast member, being a crew member is also a way to participate in the musical. Behind the stage, crew members work with technology, lights, sounds, stage art, building the set, costumes, hair, make-up, scene changes and more. Within any part of the musical, each and every student will be valued for their participation. 

“Crew are the unsung heroes of every show. You don’t see them, but without them, you wouldn’t have a show,” said Nutting. 

Whether auditioning for the musical or watching it this winter, tickets go on sale on Nov. 12, 2022. Come see the hard work of WHS students and support those students in the drama club! More information can be found at https://walpoledrama.wixsite.com/whsdramaclub.