Theater students prepare for fall and spring productions

This fall, the Vestavia Hills High School theater department will perform a variety of shows, all led by students.

“Our shows are completely student-run except for the directing, and even then, we have student directors to help the process,” theater teacher Jamie Stephenson said.

During the spring and summer, students work with her to select shows and then start building sets, writing or working with scripts and more, she said.

“We take a bit longer on our shows because we want our theater students to be able to do multiple after-school activities and to be able to focus on their academics,” Stephenson said.

As of mid-August, Stephenson said there were about 100 students involved in the program, and when auditions start, that number usually expands to about 150 students.

“Our theater students learn many skills,” Stephenson said. “They learn time management, project management, coping skills, creativity, problem solving, researching, how to use multiple tools, creating projections for shows, sound production, lighting production, costuming, sewing and marketing.”

Information about tickets will be posted on the school website, the school marquee and on social media. Tickets are sold digitally on GoFan, and tickets will also be available at the gate for a higher price, Stephenson said.

The schedule for remaining 2021-22 productions is as follows:

► Nov. 18-21: Comedy of Errors

► Dec. 6-7: Celebrate the Season

► Feb. 18-19: Thespian Festival

► Feb. 22: Dessert and Drama

► April 21-24: Cinderella