(MCS) — Mount Carmel School’s Theatre Club will launch its “Year of Shakespeare” celebration of the works of William Shakespeare with “3 (Mini) Plays by Shakespeare” on Friday, March 28, and Saturday, March 29, in the Mount Carmel School Library.
The upcoming production will feature three shortened, simplified versions of three classics by Shakespeare — the comedy, “As You Like It,” the romance, “The Tempest,” and the tragedy, “Hamlet.” The three plays are directed by high school students, respectively, Quimari Duenas, Heleyna Dela Santa, and Tricia Palacios. The three directors have been working closely with third grade teachers, Theresa Atienza and Sony Natividad, and their students, who will take center stage for all three plays. All three student directors have extensive experience in the club, having played major roles on stage as cast members and backstage as crew members for numerous productions.
Quimari Duenas and ‘As You Like It’
Quimari was excited about finally having the opportunity to step into the director’s role. As she said, “Having grown through the Theatre Club over the years, I saw this as an opportunity to give back by guiding the next generation of performers and sharing my passion for storytelling.” She added, “I wanted to challenge myself as a leader while making Shakespeare more accessible and enjoyable for younger audiences.”
When asked about what it has been like to step into the director’s chair, Quimari said, “Working on this show has been both challenging and rewarding, especially when directing third graders who have tons of energy and short attention spans.” She said, “It’s been tough keeping them focused, but seeing their excitement when they understand a scene or deliver a line with confidence makes it all worth it. Despite the challenges, their enthusiasm and creativity bring a fresh and fun energy to Shakespeare, making the entire experience incredibly fulfilling.”
In particular, Quimari wants her cast members to gain as much as she has from the club. “I have been a dedicated member of the Theatre Club since I was in the first grade, growing from an ensemble performer to a behind-the-scenes crew member.” She added, “Over the years, I took on greater responsibilities, becoming a floor manager and now, as a senior, serving as the director for this show. This journey has strengthened my leadership skills, creativity, and passion for theatre.”
Heleyna Dela Santa and ‘The Tempest’
When Heleyna was asked to direct, she at first hesitated. But, she said, “I thought back to who I was 11 years ago — a 6-year-old girl who didn’t know how much she would need this club.” At the time, she participated in a Summer Drama Camp sponsored by the Theatre Club which included her playing a role in a similar production of “The Tempest”. She added, “That’s why I chose to direct this play, because it holds a special place in my heart; it was my very first play and the one that sparked my love for theatre and the club.”
So far, directing the show has been an “incredibly fulfilling learning experience” for Heleyna. As she put it, “Watching the kids bring their unique talents to life reminded me of the innocence and wonder that the world needs more of.” She added, “There is so much of this world that they have yet to discover, and I am proud to say that I took part in each of their stories.”
Telling such stories is why Heleyna has remained so committed to the Theatre Club. “Having been in Theatre Club for almost 11 years now, it’s been nothing but a wonderful experience for me.” She acknowledged, “Yes, there have certainly been stressful moments, and the pressure of putting on a show can sometimes be overwhelming, but through it all, the magic of theatre always takes its course.” She added, “Theatre Club truly feels like a family — one that accepts everyone no matter who they are.”
Tricia Palacios and ‘Hamlet’
Like Heleyna, Tricia was at first reluctant to direct a show because, as she said, “I’ve always taken on the role of a cast member.” However, she realized what a great opportunity directing would be for her to “try something new and to step out of my comfort zone.”
However, Tricia did not realize how difficult it would be to direct. “I realized that there is a lot of effort that goes into being a director–rehearsing lines, teaching the children their cues, and trying to round them up is quite a hassle.” However, she has no regrets. “The little kids can be a handful, but seeing their excitement for the play makes the effort worth it.”
Tricia also hopes that these young dramatists will fall in love with theatre the same way she has. “I hope that our mini plays will inspire the third graders, and even other elementary students, to join future Theatre Club performances, just like when I was their age.”
Longest running and most inclusive club on campus
The passion that Quimari, Heleyna, and Tricia have for the Theatre Club is rooted in a deep tradition that started in 1996 when the club launched rehearsals and productions for three shows in a row all penned by Shakespeare: “Romeo and Juliet” (May 1997), “Much Ado About Nothing” (January, 1998), and “Macbeth” (May 1998). Those three productions laid the foundation for what would become one of the largest and longest serving clubs on campus, the only one that engages students of all ages and all grades. Since its founding, the club has produced almost 60 stage shows and films, including classics by Shakespeare, Disney musicals, and original productions. In that time, the club has entertained thousands of audience members and cultivated the dramatic, filmmaking, and storytelling skills of hundreds of students. “3 (Mini) Plays by Shakespeare” will mark the club’s 59th production. Later this year, as part of the club’s continuing celebration of “The Year of Shakespeare”, it will present a local adaptation of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, to be directed by AlumKnight and Theatre Club Adviser, Zeno Deleon Guerrero, Jr.
Tickets for “3 (Mini) Plays by Shakespeare” are $10 per person and are available at the Mount Carmel School Business Office. Seating is very limited, so advanced purchase of tickets is highly recommended. For more information, call (670) 234-6184 or visit www.facebook.com/mtcarmelcnmi/.
Quimari Duenas rehearses a scene from William Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” with third grade students ahead of the Mount Carmel School Theatre Club production of “3 (Mini) Plays by Shakespeare” on Friday, March 28, and Saturday, March 29, at the school’s library.
MCS photo
Heleyna Dela Santa, left, rehearses a scene from William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” with third grade students ahead of the Mount Carmel School Theatre Club production of “3 (Mini) Plays by Shakespeare” on Friday, March 28, and Saturday, March 29, at the school’s library.
Tricia Palacios, right, rehearses a scene from William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” with third grade students ahead of the Mount Carmel School Theatre Club production of “3 (Mini) Plays by Shakespeare” on Friday, March 28, and Saturday, March 29, at the school’s library.
