Culver City Theatre: An Independent Production by CCHS Seniors
Two One-Act Plays: “Follow the Leader” and “The Veldt”
At long last, nineteen seniors from the Academy of Visual and Performing Arts Theatre program at Culver City High School will present a work that showcases the culmination of four years of their theatre education. While not an AVPA or Culver High production, this one-act festival will leave audiences with a lasting memory due to both its quality and spirit.
Senior Seminar 2011 is a spring class culminating in a production completely written, staged, directed, acted, and designed by seniors. When, in March, their teacher/mentor, Sheila Silver, had to take a medical leave for the remainder of the year, the students were told that, due to liability issues, the school district (CCUSD) could not allow the performance to happen on campus as planned.
The students decided to proceed independently so that months of work would not be lost. They were thrilled and immensely grateful when The Willows Community School stepped up to help by donating the theater space, making it possible for the students to fully realize their work.
Originally conceived for a theatre-in-the-round, directors Kevin Mitchell and Emma Niles re-blocked the entire show to fit the proscenium stage in the new venue. Now, after four months of work, they are ready to share this event with the community.
The production consists of two one-act plays: “Follow the Leader” and “The Veldt”, directed by Kevin Mitchell and Emma Niles, respectively.
Kevin Mitchell explains, “On the first day of Senior Seminar, the class selected the topic "Secrets" for our original play. Over the next two weeks or so, I led the writing process of what evolved into "Follow the Leader", a satire on conspiracy theories and the impermanency of trust. Please join us in Harmony, Alabama as the members of the Alien Hunters Federation of America fight the alien presence - that is, if it even exists to begin with. You'll have to come to the show to find that out.”
Emma Niles describes her project, “I was introduced to Ray Bradbury's work during my time at Culver City Middle School, and several years later I discovered his short story "The Veldt". I thought that the piece would translate well into a one-act play, and I adapted it. "The Veldt," although published by Bradbury in 1950, is extremely relevant to our society today, as it deals with problems created by technology and demonstrates the effect a technological world can have on children . . . and the chilling consequences that can follow.”
Kevin Mitchell, Emma Niles, and the CCHS Senior Seminar theatre group are extremely grateful to the Willows Community School, without whom this production would not have been possible.
Ticket sales will be used to pay for sets, costumes, and other production costs.
* Appropriate for ages 12 and up .
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