New Advisors and Plays Brings Challenge Foxborough High Drama and Theatre Club

The following was submitted by Foxborough Assistant Superintendent Amy Berdos as part of the Foxborough School Committee’s Teaching and Learning Highlights Series.

The April 6 School Committee Teaching and Learning Highlight featured the Foxborough High School Drama and Theatre Club. There are three new advisors to the club, faculty members Mr. Jim Callahan and Ms. Alyssa Mocharnuk and professional actor Mr. Jarod Craig (not present at the meeting due to being on tour in France). The two faculty advisors shared that their goal for the club is to take on challenging plays while focusing on the craft of what it takes to put on a production. Mr. Craig, a Foxborough resident, has been instrumental in working with the students on perfecting their craft as an actor and providing an authentic experience for learning about acting and play production, said Mr. Callahan. Mr. Craig’s experience as a professional actor brings an element to the club that has not been there before.

The new advisors are not the only change this year. A change to evening practices to improve continuity and attendance was instituted and has worked out well, explained the two advisors. The fall production, “A Doll’s House” was well done, said Mr. Callahan and the students’ good work continued when they participated in the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild’s (METG) Massachusetts State Drama Festival where they performed “Goodnight Desdemona, (Good Morning Juliet).” Drama Club member Katie Burke joined the committee and stated, “Seeing how other schools do things was the best part of the festival, we were able to learn and gain experience from each other.” FHS senior and Student School Committee Representative Mical Henriquez participated in the all-day affair and reiterated that it was a great experience. “You learn so much about leadership and organizing, and the advisors have guided us along the way. It was also nice to be surrounded by so many people that had the same passion for drama,” said Mical who has enjoyed being part of the club and watching it grow.

At the preliminary round of the Massachusetts Drama Festival, Senior Mical Henriquez and Junior Abby Spare walked away with All Star Company acting awards. “It was great to see,” said Mr. Callahan. They are a young dedicated group and we are looking forward to continued success next year. Ms. Mocharnuk said that it is remarkable to see what the students learned this year; learning acting skills and learning some really practical skills too. Students learned how to run their own fundraisers, developing a solid plan, figured out budgeting and all the practical aspects of running a theater club. It’s growing on many fronts!” she said.　

As far as advising the group, Mr. Callahan explained they are focusing on getting more parents involved, and strengthening connections to the Foxborough community. He praised the students for their dedication and high level of energy. They are now looking forward to their upcoming student led Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre which is scheduled for May 29th from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Foxborough High School.