Fall play behind-the-scenes: What to expect from "Winter Break"

Jordan theatre students are gearing up for the fall play, Winter Break by Joe Calarco, which is November 16-18th at 6:30. Tickets for the show are on sale now, $7 for students and $15 for adults, and the cast and crew is hoping for as much turnout as possible! Students are allowed to pay with five Falcon Feathers.

“Audiences should expect a fun and heartfelt show with universal themes of friendship and love that they can hopefully relate to as high schoolers,” said sophomore Ella Cohen, one of the stage managers for Winter Break.

The poster was designed by Annabelle Ferreri, a theatre student.

The play Winter Break consists of a series of vignettes about high school students supporting each other through loss, tough decisions, and life problems as they tackle these issues with humor and optimism. “Something I’ve liked [about this show] is that it’s a super small cast, so we’re able to spend more time working individually with people and specific scenes,” said Ilsa Bergman, another Jordan stage manager.

Ilsa explained that this show is “in the round, meaning that the audience is on three sides of the stage.” She went on to say that 3/4 round is something different than they have done in the past, and although it poses potential challenges for both actors and technicians, it also provides opportunities to try new things.

There are a few differences in how the show is run this year, especially because Olivia Bellido, Jordan’s usual director, just returned from maternity leave. While it was a change to work without Bellido, a cornerstone of the Jordan Theatre Department, the program was fortunate to have Artie Cline step in to direct the show in her place, bringing his own expertise and insights. Although Bellido is back at Jordan, Cline will direct until the end of the show. Ella shared that the theatre department is adjusting how they normally do things because of the new director, but she’s excited to be able to work with Cline this year. 

A goal the stage managers have is getting more Jordan students interested in the arts and expanding outreach to others. Future theatre students should “be prepared to put in time and always be willing to work, even when you’re not feeling as motivated,” Ilsa suggested. “[Don’t] be afraid to try something new,” Ella added. “There will always be people to support you. This is a family.”

Link for Winter Break tickets:

https://cejordantheatreandchorus.ludus.com/index.php