Selma High’s theatre program presented The Lightning Thief, a musical about Percy Jackson, a seemingly ordinary teenager who discovers that he is a demigod and the son of Poseidon, and goes on a quest to find Zeus’ stolen lightning bolt. The musical took place at the Selma Arts Center, and had three showings between May first and third.
Preparing for the musical begins as early as the previous year.
“I choose and announce next year’s show in the spring,” said Mrs. Nieves, Selma High’s theatre teacher.
Once the musical is decided, Mrs. Nieves plans out auditions and rehearsals, ensuring everything is in order. Auditions were held in January, and the chosen cast rehearsed almost daily for months leading up to opening night.
Most of a production’s work is behind the scenes. Junior Dalton Vargas, mentioned his difficulties with learning lines and scenes:
“The memorizing challenged me the most,” he stated.
However, there’s more to a production than actors and lines. Set pieces, props, costumes, and technical work are crucial parts of painting the pictures portrayed on stage. Selma High’s theatre students begin working on the production months in advance.
“There’s so many tiny details that come into play,” stated Mrs. Nieves.
The week before opening night, known as “tech week,” is when all the little details come together, and rehearsals are held in full at the Selma Arts Center. Costumes, props, lighting, and sound are all set up and tested to ensure smooth performances.
Opening night is when all the rehearsals were put to the test in front of an audience.
“I feel like the show went amazingly,” said Dalton Vargas.
Senior Elizabeth (Lizzy) Gomez was cast as Annabeth Chase, and has been in theatre since she was a child.
“An actor I saw in the musical Honk! inspired me to be in theatre,” she explained.
Lizzy has been in Selma High productions for all four years she’s attended, and Lightning Thief is her final production.
“I wanted to enjoy the last performances we did,” mentioned Elizabeth.
