As the 2023-2024 school year begins, the Tiger Theatre Company already began preparing for their upcoming season. This year, TTC will perform three mainstage shows along with their annual UIL One Act Play and senior-directed one acts. Students work several hours daily to ensure the season proves memorable for all show participants, directors and audience members.
This is the first year since 2020 that the Tiger Theatre Company will perform a full season. To kick it off, the company will be performing not one, but two fall plays: “Our Town” and “Murder on the Orient Express.” Members of both shows have to attend daily rehearsals in preparation for the show, whether it’s acting on stage or being a part of the technical crew.
“My main goal is to just become a better actor and cast mate,” junior Justin Gentry said. “I like my part in ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ because I get to do a Scottish accent, which is new to me.”
Both of Tiger Theatre Company’s fall productions will be classic pieces of the performing arts, although the styles of the shows differ drastically. “Murder on the Orient Express” is fast paced and full of murder mysteries. On the other hand, “Our Town” is a family-based, slower story with characters emulating this. Hours of preparation will be necessary due to the accent heavy shows.
“I’d say the most challenging part of ‘Our Town’ is getting the country accent down. Since we don’t have much of a set, we have to tell the story through our words,” junior Julius Ricks said. “We also have to practice our pantomiming skills since we don’t have any physical props to use.”
Although there will be many challenges for the company, the company has two new directors to guide them through the year. Theater teacher Brandon Shoemaker will be stepping up as TTC’s head director and assistant director Mikenzie Blase will aid him with all duties, including directing “Our Town.” Directors and theater officers spent their summer at the Sullivan Performing Arts Center getting the facility ready for the new year.
“[Company officers] have been organizing the PAC and brainstorming plans to improve the theater company as a whole,” junior Xavier Briggs said.
The Tiger Theatre Company has multiple plans for the 2023-2024 season. They hope to do well and reach their goals in their UIL OAP season while raising enough money to fund a trip to New York City next year.
“I honestly can’t wait for the season, and I can’t wait to see all of the company-wide goals be achieved,” Gentry said. “I am looking forward to this year.”
