High School in the Spotlight: East Grand Rapids High

Based on user demand, BWW is taking our commitment to arts education one step further with the launch of the BWW Student Center - High School Edition. This directory features upcoming show listings for more than 1500 high schools nationwide with more being added each week. Schools can register for 'enhanced' listings on the site - adding in photos, cast lists, videos, links and more. Productions that take advantage of this will receive highlights on our listing pages, extra editorial mentions and potential spotlight features.

And just like we do with our College Center, each week BWW will be selecting a high-school program and featuring it as our 'School in the Spotlight: High-School Edition'. 

-- BWW Student Center Readers: What do you want to see in 2012-2013? Have your say here!

This week, we head to Grand Rapids, Michigan, to spotlight the Drama Department at East Grand Rapids High School!

Students attending East Grand Rapids and interested in the performing arts can enroll in three elective theatre classes: Theatre I, Theatre II, and Theatre Production. In Theatre I students learn the fundamentals of technical theatre and performance, while delving into script analysis, theatre history, acting methods and theories. Theatre II is an advanced program which introduces students to different acting methods and theories, script writing and directing, as well as monologue, scene and production work. The class culminates in a Spring production that is entirely conceived by the class. Students with technical inclinations can pursue Theatre Production, which instills practical experience in technical design, lighting, properties, construction and painting, sound and set design along with publicity and stage management.

In addition to EGRHS's Drama Department, the school also has an active extra-curriucular drama club which produces a popular yearly show, and participates in local arts events as well as organizes trips to see professional productions.

The Drama Department puts on as many as six different productions each year, including musicals, one-act plays and a variety/talent show. Recent shows include 'You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown', 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow', 'Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Jersey Lily', and the 'A Rose for Emily' inspired by William Faulkner's short story. Notably, EGRHS was one of the first schools to obtain the rights to the Andrew Lloyd Webber hit 'The Phantom of the Opera'. The school staged the musical in 2011 and sold out its five performances. To see photos from past performances, click here!

The Drama Department will next present the Tony Award-winner 'Into The Woods' on April 26 thru 28. Helmed by Pamela Steers and choreographed by Judy Genson, the musical involves a cast of over 50 students, a tech crew of 25 and a 20-student musical ensemble. Cast members include Patrik Nowak and MereditH Clark, playing The Baker and his wife, respectively, Kate Brondyk as CInderella, Ben Utter as Jack, Samantha Peterson as Little Red Ridinghood and Kokie Zimmermann in the role of The Witch.

Tickets to 'Into The Woods' can be purchased online by clicking here or in person at the box office situated at 2211 Lake Dr.

To learn more about Drama at East Grand Rapids High, click here. 

Congratulations to everyone at East Grand Rapids on your tremendous work and dedication to the theater arts!

If you would like to be considered for a School in the Spolight: High School Edition or have questions/concerns/suggestions related to BWW's student center, please contact studentcenter@broadwayworld.com

Photo of 'Into The Woods', courtesy of East Grand Rapids High School