Kayla Coleman ’14: It has been widely publicized over the last month that the Upper School Theater Department has undergone significant changes lately, with the complications arising from the failure to obtain the rights to perform “Chicago” taking center stage. Not as widely known, however, are the more impactful changes that have been made to the Theater Department, particularly those changes relating to the time commitment required for students involved in the cast and crew. Starting this year, those auditioning for the spring musical and participating in the stage crew must choose their level of commitment to the production through the implementation of the musical as a full fitness option.
As many are aware, it has been mandatory for freshmen and sophomores to participate in two competitive sports with a third fitness option over the course of the year, while juniors and seniors are required to participate in at least one competitive sport every year. Since 2008, the fall play has been an option in lieu of fitness, but this year, the spring musical will also be available as a full-time fitness option for those in the cast and crew interested in the largest commitment.
For many students devoted to Episcopal’s theater productions, the previous system of having to commit to a sport and participate in the musical as an extracurricular activity presented a challenge. As a result of the overwhelming amount of time dedicated to productions, the administration has decided to use this year as a trial run for the new system. The Upper School Theater Department and the Upper School’s administration have convened to make the requirements more flexible despite the new rule’s complexity.
The spring musical is now a legitimate fitness option, based on a system that was previously in place for those who participated in the fall plays. However, because the production of every musical requires a greater time commitment, students may choose between two levels of theater involvement, currently designated as Group A and Group B. Group A will consist of students who have made the decision to have the musical fulfill one of their sports requirements as a fitness option, while Group B will consist of those who have elected to participate in the musical as an extracurricular in addition to a spring sport, at the expense of getting a smaller role with weekend practices. The extracurricular option that is Group B was the previous system used for those who participated in the musical productions.
Although many have embraced the idea of this new system, for some, these options have proved problematic and possibly more challenging than the previous system. Lolo Lomax ‘14, a devoted cross-country runner, track & field sprinter, and valuable asset to the Episcopal running program, has been a part of every spring musical since her freshman year. “Personally,” she explained, “it’s made it harder for me to be as involved in the musical as I was before. It’s changed the way the musical works in terms of what parts people can get.” Lomax brought to light a consequence that may present itself to those vying for lead roles. However, the flexibility of this change does allow those interested in the productions but committed to a sport to still take part in theater productions without the full commitment.
Lomax also presented another issue that this changed system will not benefit. She suggested, “[We have an issue with the] lack of boys responding to the musical because of how involved they are in their sports.” Lomax is not the only one to notice the continued decline in male students’ participation in drama productions. Of course, the new requirement modification is not responsible for the reduced number of boys in the shows, but it does draw attention to a growing problem. Over the past several years, specifically since Episcopal has moved to the new campus, the clear waning of male involvement has been discernible. Last spring, a mere nine boys made the commitment to perform in Seussical.
With the spring musical still unannounced and the new change not yet in effect, many are anxious to see how everything will play out. If successful, the Theatre Department might see an increase in interest from students who would generally shy away from the stage’s spotlight because of their dedication to sports. With more committed roles given to those who can handle them, many hope the spring musical will see a spike in participation and fuller commitment.

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