Drama Conference Cuts Back Numbers

Published 10-4-07
http://www.doaneline.com/2.7183/drama-conference-cuts-back-numbers-1.761464

The annual drama conference held by the Doane Players will be exclusive this year.

The event, which is composed of multiple theater workshops for high schools within a 150-mile radius will only accept 300 students this year, and 100 have already been turned down.

The change was made because of the overcrowding that has been going on in recent years. Theater Director Robin McKercher said there simply was not enough room in the Whitcomb Lee Conservatory to hold more students.

"We used to just hold the show once, now we have to run it twice," McKercher said. "Last year we had students sitting on the floor and standing."

McKercher said that in addition to the limited number of students, there would be other changes to this year's conference which is scheduled for Oct. 8. He said that this year the workshops would be taught by theater professionals rather than students.

When the high school students arrive, they will be split into two groups. One group will see the production "Reeling" in the morning, while the others attend workshops. Later, the groups will switch so they get a chance to participate in both activities. The activities, which last all day, will take place at several locations, including the Whitcomb Lee Conservatory, the Communications Building, Butler Gym and the new education building.

McKercher said the drama conference has been a good experience in the past, and he was excited to see the results this year.

"It's a great way to meet new students who are equally as captivated and energetic about theater as I am, and it shows Doane in the best possible light," he said. "They [the students] have all been eager and energetic about coming here and it makes Doane look great."

Junior Jennifer Kater, who has been a part of the event since she came to Doane, said she always had lots of fun at the conference.

"I like meeting all the prospective students and talking to them about their theater experience," Kater said. "It's also a good day for the Players to get to know each other better."