Carlton drama club prepares for the magic

Carlton Comprehensive High School drama club Mad Hatter Theater Company in Prince Albert is preparing to bring a well-known fairytale to life.

The club will tour eight elementary schools starting on Nov. 13 with its production of Cinderella. The students will also perform at the E.A. Rawlinson Centre for the Arts on Nov. 15 and 16 at 2 p.m.

David Zulkoskey is the drama teacher at Carlton and the play’s director. He said the club has put on Cinderella twice before, but this time will be very different.

“It’s very much interactive, we are building more comedy into the show, and it involves audience more,” said Zulkoskey. “It gives them an opportunity to see the show but also to be part of the show.”

Zulkoskey said drama teaches the future generation some very important life skills.

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“The wonderful thing about drama is, it builds self-confidence, raises self-esteem and assists students to be creative together, “said Zulkoskey.

Zulkoskey said the drama program and drama club have both experienced an increase in participation over the last few years. Zulkoskey said the academic class is where students learn basic acting techniques; whereas the club teaches students to learn on their feet, while building an actual production.

Senior student, Malissa Paul, said she only got involved in the program starting in Grade 10. Paul said because of her theater involvement she is more involved in her school as a whole.

“Through drama I have been re-directed into other groups and I’ve been more involved in the school community because of that,” said Paul.

Paul will play the role of the Fairy Godmother in this year’s touring show. However, she started out as the stage manager for the production. Paul said she has been part of this play in several aspects, but her favourite role is set design.

“I find that I am more passionate when I get to be behind the stage, I get to do painting and design,” said Paul.

Despite her love of set design, Paul said she really enjoyed playing Mowgli in their Jungle Book performance last year.

“There’s a lot of really great energy within our club of people being excited to work together and being excited to put on a show like this to inspire imagination within children,” said Paul.

Grade 12 student Connor Pritchard said he enjoys drama and most of his friends at school are in the drama club.

Pritchard’s favourite part of acting is playing a character that he is nothing like.

“It’s kind of exciting just being someone you’re not in front of a whole bunch of people and having everyone watch the story your part of,” said Pritchard.

Pritchard will be playing the Prince in Cinderella for half of the shows. He is splitting his role with Loic Bolay.

Zulkoskey said the students practice Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons for five-and-a-half hours a week. Zulkoskey said as a teacher he is amazed with the student’s hard work and dedication.

kbruch@panow.com

On Twitter: @KaylaBruch1