Sentinel High stages "15 Nervous Gumshoes" and brings "Here and Now" to state Thespian convention

Sentinel High School's drama department staged its Drama 2 spring production, "15 Nervous Gumshoes," in April at the Sentinel Little Theatre and performed the play "Here and Now" at the state Thespian convention in November, department director Margaret Johnson said.

The department's season and extracurricular activities drew attention from students and staff because the productions addressed challenging topics and involved extensive rehearsal time. "Here and Now" depicts a support group dealing with drugs, alcohol, suicide and conflicts among students, teachers and parents, the broadcast reported.

Margaret Johnson, director of the Sentinel drama department and state director of Thespians, said the most difficult part of producing the plays is "the hours." The spring Drama 2 production, titled "15 Nervous Gumshoes," involved the troupe produced in April and included 15 participants in that ensemble production.

Students described structural aspects of the program: Jared Vincheska, a senior and historian for Thespians, noted the organization's membership requirement of 100 hours. The Thespians group also organizes the Sadie Hawkins dance each fall and participates in the state thespian convention, the report said. Drama 1 is described as a semester course that includes activities such as pantomime, small plays and speeches and also includes some work with sign language.

Johnson said the department values the close bonds that develop among cast and crew during long rehearsal schedules; she also outlined the department's upcoming season. Sentinel drama plans to produce "David and Lisa" and "The Taming of the Shrew" next year, the broadcast reported.

The segment on the Spartan Show combined reporting from student reporters and anchors to highlight the program's recent productions, thematic focus and student participation.