The Brentwood High School Drama Club puts on a performance every December to showcase the acting skills and talents of high school students.  During this process, students learn how to work as a team to put on a production with limited time. They have to be able to build mutual relationships in order to work together and put on a great performance. These students also have to be able to understand the actors they’re playing and find a way to connect to their character’s personality and life story.

The Director and some of the actors of this year’s production, “You Can’t Take it With You,” were interviewed about their experiences in drama club and in the production itself. One of the actors, Evesha Harry, who plays Penelope Sycamore, was asked to describe her favorite part of the play. She answered, “[that] would have to be when Tony’s parents come to the dinner, it’s very complicated but once it’s all put together it’s very funny.” When she was asked why she joined drama club, she replied, “Well I want to get a job as an actress so I thought it would be a good idea to join drama club. I’ve been obsessed with acting since the sixth grade.”

Another actor, Bianca Ortiz, said that she loved the scenes with Kolenkhov, “because he’s just so funny…and random with his Russian accent.” 

Emerese Noel said that she joined drama club because she “enjoyed acting” and when she was in middle school there was an organization called the “Urban Drama” which made her “really want to pursue a career in acting.” Her favorite part of the play was “the dating scene where Penny is being really annoying about being with the one she loves.”

When actor Christian Diaz was asked about his favorite part of the play, his fellow actors were surprised to hear that it didn’t involve any of his own parts. Rather, it was his ability “to experience the family atmosphere,” because according to him, “it’s not as easy as it looks to be all loving and family oriented.” Nevertheless, he believes that “it felt very nice to be able to portray a family bond.”

Melissa Lamb, the Director of drama club, explained that she most enjoyed “seeing everyone having each other’s backs on stage” and the “camaraderie that each of the characters and people have with each other.” If she had to pick a favorite part, however, she would have to choose the moment after the show had ended, when she would go backstage to congratulate all the actors. She noted that they would all be so excited about their hard work. She continued to say that “everyone had so much pride in what they accomplished, they were proud of each other, and that moment really stuck out to me.” She was also asked why she took such a lead role in the drama club. She answered, “I’ve always been a leader in many aspects in my life, I like to have control and I’ve always grown up with performing. I’ve performed since I was six years old.” 

If you would like to experience the dedication and fun of Brentwood High School’s drama club, contact Ms. Lamb for future meetings. The club is always looking for new and talented members. You’ll never know until you try!