Practices begin for large group speech

by Vincent Bushong

The time of year has come again for students to share their acting abilities in countless ways through speech and drama. 

Speech and drama includes many different opportunities for everyone, including choral reading, ensemble acting, musical theater, group improvisation, reader’s theater, one-act play, radio broadcasting and short film. 

People must use communication. Speech and drama gives students a great chance to improve those skills.

Senior Alexis Ferguson said, “Speech and drama gave me the ability to perform in front of an audience and many different people.”

Ferguson is involved in ensemble acting. Her group is looking to focus on a comedy theme this year. 

Senior Natalie Wheeler said, “I’ve enjoyed speech and drama all four years of my high school career because it’s allowed me to become more expressive.”

Both Ferguson and Wheeler are participating in choral reading this year. The choral reading’s performance will center on a collection of inspirational song lyrics. 

Teamwork is also an area speech and drama helps students improve. “We’ve learned to work together as a team,” Wheeler said. 

Junior Niall Lyons will return to group improvisation this year. Lyons said, “We have a lot of fun; this year we have a great group with lots of potential.” 

Speech and drama coach Derek Bates said, “We want students to walk away with at least one thing this year to be a more effective and confident communicator.”

Practices will continue as groups prepare for the January large group contests. This is expected to be a great season for the speech and drama students.