Art isn’t easy
Stephen Sondheim knew what he was talking about, man.
September 20, 2018
“Art isn’t easy. Every word, every line, every glance, every movement; you improve and refine and refine each improvement.” – Stephen Sondheim
This probably doesn’t come as a surprise to many people, but theatre is kinda my passion. When I’m not in a musical, I’m listening to various musical cast albums, catching up on the latest Broadway news, or preparing for an upcoming audition. Luckily, I’m in the Hardin County School’s Performing Arts Center’s Pro-Am production of Mamma Mia!, which opened Sept. 13.
The PAC has been my home away from home for about seven years now. All of my best memories come from the experiences I’ve had performing, rehearsing, and seeing shows there. I met my best friends doing shows there. I cannot imagine my life without it.
My experiences can be compared to that of an athlete’s. Take a football player, for example. Both a performer and football player train several hours a week in preparation for a big performance or game. There are both professional and amateur levels of each activity. Both are strenuous on the participant in many physical, mental, and emotional ways.
If all of this is true, why are the arts so underappreciated in society?
Shouldn’t ALL student interests be celebrated and supported here at Central Hardin? I know that the cast of Mamma Mia! has rehearsed over 75 hours for the purpose of sharing a beautiful show with the community. The same hours are put into rehearsals for the Drama Club productions. It’s discouraging to put in all of that work to get no recognition for it. Just ask principal Tim Isaacs, who is often involved in theatre himself.
I see myself as a performer for the rest of my life. My career choice shouldn’t be seen any less than a professional athlete’s. I put my heart and soul into something that I’m proud of; is it a crime to want to share that with the world? Most people assume that most musicals are cheesy (and that’s most definitely true for some), but they are so much more than just spontaneous singing and dancing for no reason. They tell a story, spread a message. I am a vessel to portray that message.
Art fulfills people in such a unique way. I would be nothing without it. There are so many talented people in our school, in our town, and in our state. I encourage you to venture out and support your local artists. Sports bring communities of people together, but so does theatre.
If you’re not busy sometime this weekend, you can watch biology teacher Jared Eaton, sophomore Ben Shockley, and myself sing the fun music of ABBA in eight performances of Mamma Mia! at the PAC. You can buy your tickets at www.thepac.net. Tickets are anywhere between $9-$29, but use the code PACProam5 for $5 any Level III tickets (you’re welcome)! If you decide last minute that you want to come, there will be $5 rush tickets sold at the door 10 minutes before the start of the show. Come out and support your fellow Bruins!
Nora Minor • Sep 23, 2018 at 3:14 pm
I think that people don’t appreciate it enough and when someone makes a sad piece of art they immediately think that they’re a bad person if people could say some thing along the lines of hey that’s really well drawn what were you thinking about in the process of making it and then say that’s sort of negative but it’s well drawn out instead of giving back a sarcastic comment like wow that’s hot or something extremely negative and unnecessary it would make things a lot better for the artist.
Nolta Maffet • Sep 22, 2018 at 1:39 am
It seems like in Ky, if you can’t hit it, kick it or throw it forget it there’s a sports page in the paper every day, why not an arts page!!!!!!!!!!
Laine Gaddie • Sep 21, 2018 at 2:09 pm
I love that Alloria has written this article because I think the message is overdue. I think it’s time for people to start recognizing how much effort is put into a performance and how much that performance means to the people in it. All types of performers put their hearts and souls into their performance and I think people should not only understand that, but understand how much those performers are effected physically,mentally, and emotionally. Alloria made a really good point when she brought that up and I’m really glad she did.
Olivia Martin • Sep 21, 2018 at 1:57 pm
I completely agree; the arts are very intricate and deserve a lot more recognition. There are countless hours of work put into play productions, performances, concerts, and shows. If only people appreciated them more.
Debbie Hibberd • Sep 21, 2018 at 1:09 pm
Well said! Alloria – you’re a joy with whom to work…an amazing talent. We’re so lucky to have you.
The students of CHHS are lucky to have Jared Eaton as well…I’m sure he brings to the classroom the same thoughtfulness and passion he brings to the stage.
The arts help put something into society that is sorely missing these days – humanity, compassion, and tolerance.
Alyssa Roy • Sep 21, 2018 at 11:56 am
I can always tell how much time and effort you all have put into your performances. I have never seen a bad performance. I think people should bring more recognition to the arts, because it really is such a cool thing to watch.
Matthew King • Sep 21, 2018 at 11:43 am
I really enjoy the arts, mainly stage, and performance. While I’ve never been that active in the arts I see it’s importance in schools.
Tatum A Cox • Sep 21, 2018 at 9:29 am
I absolutely agree that the arts should get more recognition. You all put so much effort and talent into the productions and our community would not be the same without them. I think sometimes it is hard for students because theatre isn’t as advertised as sports games and other activities are, and sometimes tickets to the productions are expensive, so it’s not always financially possible for many students to go watch the plays. Overall, from what I’m around on a daily basis, I think that the student body respects theatre and the arts even if they aren’t always able or willing to go show their support. I’m so proud of you for what you do, especially for staying passionate through the ups and downs. Can’t wait to go see Mamma Mia with my new promo code!!
Hannah Wilson • Sep 21, 2018 at 9:03 am
This represents Alloria so well. I love going to see theater shows and I am always amazed by the talent of my fellow classmates and even teachers.
Carolee Coleman • Sep 21, 2018 at 8:58 am
I don’t think that people appreciate the time and effort that performers put into their passion. It is beyond difficult to learn the choreography, lines, and songs all at once and I respect you all for that so much. I have never been disappointed when I have come to the PAC to watch a musical being performed. The cast and the crew always go above and beyond and put their full efforts into what they are doing. Mamma Mia! was amazing and I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested!!
Kaleb Burgess • Sep 21, 2018 at 8:57 am
What could be done to bring more attention to this issue?
Kaleb Burgess • Sep 21, 2018 at 8:55 am
This gets a good message across, local artist and the playhouse go horribly underappreciated throughout much of the school. Its written pretty good too as an opinion piece.