Surrounded by audience seating on all sides, performers pace the rounded stage with intensity. Emotion grips their faces as they walk, carefully choosing their positions to utilize the space.
This year, the production of Student Experimental Theater is experimenting with the theme of circles through content and the stage’s position in the center of the audience. Preparation for Student Experimental Theater requires student leadership, flexibility and hard work.
Student Experimental Theater, a collection of shows directed by U-High students, has been preparing for months for their showcase in Sherry Lansing Theater on Feb. 27 and 28. Tickets are free but must be reserved online.
Although S.E.T. has been at U-High for many years, new theater directors Matt Boresi and Ryan Wantland have reemphasized students’ freedom to experiment in this production, Mr. Boresi said. Mr. Boresi’s role in S.E.T is relatively hands-off, allowing students to assume the role of director.
Senior Theo Hinerfeld has participated in S.E.T for four years, and now acts in, directs and leads the show through his role on S.E.T. board.
“One thing I think is so amazing about S.E.T is that there isn’t like an older director there to, like, intimidate I guess, or order,” Theo said. “Everyone’s kind of working together.”
With less direction from adults and more from fellow students, conflict can sometimes arise, but students are encouraged to manage the conflict relatively independently, reflecting S.E.T’s focus on student leadership.
“Ideally, I share advice with the student and the student solves the problem on their own,” Mr. Boresi said. “If I step in and yell ‘hey, be nice’ I’ve already failed a little bit as a teacher. It should be student generated.”
Another challenge of preparing for S.E.T is the limited rehearsal spaces and large number of small shows within the larger production needing spaces to rehearse, forcing students to adapt.
“We’re rehearsing in the lobby, rehearsing in the dressing rooms. They’ve been rehearsing more than one show in the black box,” Mr. Boresi said, referring to the Sherry Lansing Theater. “We’ve been all over the space in a way that’s kind of fun and exciting.”
While preparation for S.E.T can be difficult, the excitement and joy it fosters for students makes it worth it, Theo said.
“Even though it is a lot of hard work and a lot of really concentrated memorizing lines, running blocking, it’s also just so much fun because you’re making art,” Theo said. “Art is so much fun, especially around people around your own age.”
