Lights gradually illuminate the scene as actors take the stage, surrounded by props upon the floor of the stage. The sides directly leading to backstage, otherwise known as the wings, house the breathless and excited stage crew. All the while, the director sits in the audience, enjoying her show.

The drama club has existed to bring us the humanity known as theatre. Under the direction of theatre teacher Nicole Boschert, the drama program has successfully performed countless productions that have left many audience members stunned by amazing shows, such as this year’s “Catch Me if You Can”.

This club and organization is always looking for new talent for the betterment of their shows. One does not only have the option to perform in a play; members can work with the soundboard, lighting or even help construct the set pieces. At West, there are classes teaching the basics of what each job needs in terms of essential skills. Almost anyone can become a part of this venture, and it is easy to do so.

“We have a lot of interesting people who do all sorts of things,” senior and Drama Club president Nicholas Mulholland said. “Whether you are in Youth in Government, athletics, Color Guard [or] Game Club, everyone fits into this group.”

An incoming freshman can join into this dramatic organization from day one, as long as the five dollar fee is paid immediately to the program; ten if you join later in the year. Official members of Drama Club can obtain a free ticket to each of the year’s shows, starting with a musical where Mrs. Boschert and choir teacher Beth Fritz combine their abilities for a production. After that comes two strict plays, allowing actors to participate in tragedies and comedies for the audience.

People from all around the school come to each of the biweekly meetings, ranging from the charismatic leaders to the more shy, yet caring, bookworms who work their magic backstage. Although these individuals vary in personality, they are all united under the single goal of producing a fantastic show as either a performer, a backstage techie or a devoted fan of the arts.

Drama Club hosts multiple group bonding gatherings outside of school, such as holiday parties, attending outside productions and going to watch the newest Marvel movie at a local theatre. It is always a fun experience for everyone present.

“You talk to everyone you can [at team bonding] because the point is that you bond as a drama club, you work better as a group, and if you work well in a group, you’ll probably get cast in more shows,” Mulholland said.

Everyone has a shoe to fill when they are cast into a production. As a team, the group will unite in order to wow the audience. Hard work and dedication are requirements, but that should not come at the cost of enthusiasm and spirit. People work hard for the opportunity to entertain their peers, and the cast and crew of a production can easily bond and become friends over this busy atmosphere.

“There’s a lot of different personalities that you always have to [work with]. The hardest part [of Drama Club] is dealing with all of these clashing personalities, but the best part is when you get personalities that work together, and that is not necessarily uncommon,” Mulholland said.

Nobody is the almighty ruler in a production. Sure, there is Mrs. Boschert to help guide and enable the actors and techies, but everyone must do their part in order to succeed. An actor must rely on the director for guidance; the director needs a publicity person to spread the word and the publicity person needs the actor to send bios to put on the bio board before the production. Every ounce of sweat and tears that goes into the show makes that final standing ovation all the more satisfying.