FRANKLIN
The Franklin High School Drama Club will be on it way to the regional competition at West Point High School on Saturday morning. The drama students already came in second place at their district competition on Nov. 7 in Surry High School for their performance of “Shuddersome: Tales of Poe.” They next performed the play for their peers, students and administration in Franklin High School on Nov. 10, and then again last Friday night for the community.

“We’ve been working on improvements and polishing everything up since the District Competition,” said Drama Club coach and Franklin High English teacher Jennifer Miguel.

Both performances since districts have helped the club practice for the upcoming regional competition.

The idea of performing came from the principal, Dr. Ronnie Watson. Club members said he told them he felt it was important for their peers, as well as the community, to see what they had been working so hard on.

“The community gave really good reviews,” senior Rosemary Idisi said.

Freshman Grace Goode added, “The performance on Friday night showed me what I need to work on.”

The club has been rehearsing every day and on some Saturdays for the past several weeks. Some of the rehearsals have lasted up to five hours.

Junior Connor Shanks said the way he has been individually preparing for his role in the play is by getting into the mindset of the character days before each performance.

“I’ve gotten to the point where I can phase in and out of the mindset of my character though. So now I’ve been working on my voice and facial movements,” Shanks added.

Aaron Griffith, a former Franklin High student and a volunteer that helps out with the Drama Club, said he thinks they are going to do really well at regionals on Saturday.

“I think we will at least make second place,” Griffith said.

Senior Tim Kreider added, “I think as long as we keep a good mentality and focus, we will do great.”

Miguel said that the students work wonderfully together and they all think alike, which is why this show is working so well.

“It’s a creepy play, but a perfect fit for these students,” she added.

All the students in Drama Club have not only loved performing this play, but they also love the club in general.

“It’s one of the best programs we have here. I look forward to it every day,” junior Lauren Causey said.

Freshman Bowen Armbruster added, “I love this club, I’ve met a lot of new friends. I think people should appreciate it more. It’s a lot harder than it looks.”