Theatre to show original play

Viewers will follow the live play through four rooms

Chadron State Theatre has been working hard on their latest play titled “WHAT’S NEXT?”. 

Jennifer Poarch, theatre interim director of theatrical performances, said this play was written for, and is original to, CSC and has been in the works since June. 

Poarch said that “WHAT’S NEXT?” revolves around college freshman characters who try to find their way through life changes and decision-making. She said that characters experience changing circumstances and life-learning experiences. 

Poarch said that audiences will follow the main character, Arthur, through some college experiences. She said that some discussions in the play will revolve around complex topics like gun control, bullying, and relationships.

Audiences will be limited to 10 people per room and will cycle through each of the four rooms that serve as stages. The four stages will be set in the Ballroom, the Scottsbluff room, the Bordeaux room and the Ponderosa room in the Student Center. 

Students have been rehearsing for four weeks, dedicating around 12-15 hours per week. Students come from a variety of majors with nine fields of study being represented. 

Trinity Dietrich, 19, freshman of Spearfish, South Dakota, is a stage manager for the play. Dietrich says that her job involves managing timing, running scenes, providing lines during rehearsals, keeping notes, and helping communication run smoothly. 

“I’m excited for audiences to see the show because all of the actors have put in such hard work,” She said. “I’m ready for it to pay off.”

Josie Fritz, 18, freshman of Spearfish, is an actor in the play. She said she spent hours preparing scenes, running her lines in between classes and working with her fellow actors. “I’m really excited because this will really be my first time on stage in college,” she said. 

Zak Wellnitz, 19, sophomore of Rushville, is one of the lead roles as Arthur. He said that his role involved rehearsing his lines and observing his other lead counterparts. He said, “I think it will be a lot of fun. Everyone has put in such hard work.” 

Olivia Freeze, 19, freshman of Bridgeport, is acting in this play. She said she had to play ping-pong to practice for a scene in addition to practicing her role. “I’m excited that we are the original cast for this show,” She said. “This show has never been performed anywhere until now.”