Every year the Braintree High School Theater Guild rehearses and produces a fall musical. This past week, the club held auditions for this year’s musical, The Unsinkable Molly Brown. What many would consider a good turnout however, was met with concern. Compared to previous years, the number of people auditioning has decreased significantly.
“I think COVID played a big role, before theater was cool and you had a variety [of people] and you had people who had never done theater in their entire life. Now it’s strictly people who have done theater before” says Senior Producer Bella Hogan.
Hogan also points out that there is a large stigma around theater which is a large contributor to the lack of new members.
“People think theater is weird… and that frightens people,” explains Hogan.
Former actor senior Dina Olivadoti did not step away from Theater Guild due to its reputation, but rather from the lack of organization.
“[It was] completely not manageable… I would spend a lot of time sitting there… not rehearsing…I wish it was more efficient.” Olivadoti shares that many members discourage others from joining due to the busy schedule.
Despite the obstacles, many consider Theater Guild a friendly community. Throughout the rehearsal process, the members are fostering a space where all are welcome.
“You’re gonna meet new people and make new friends” states Hogan.
