High school students wave during curtain call in the Student Directed One-Act Festival. Photo courtesy Paul Barnett
Aspiring artists make their mark on the world By Aubrey Ainsworth Managing Director, The REP Theatre
Nestled in beautiful Seaside, The REP Theatre presents an array of high-quality professional theater, welcoming artists and producing work from around the globe. From theater to music and film, The REP has become an epicenter for the arts in the community, constantly bringing one-of-a-kind entertainment to the area. The great success and longevity of this special theater relies on a core ensemble of artists and their dedication in doing what they love. For everyone at The REP the road to Seaside could not be more different, and yet, their drive behind their work in the arts all comes from the same place.
When an artist discovers their gift in the arts, it can feel like coming home. You feel connected to the artistic community and to the world around you in ways you haven’t before. Suddenly, everything falls into place and you find yourself uncovering a passion for something you never knew you had. It is here in the very beginning where true hope lies and the future of endless possibilities is the sweetest. That is why The REP has made such a tremendous impact through their outreach program for those young artists just embarking on their artistic journey. The fate of this incredible industry rests with the younger generation as they decide how to make their mark on the world. Sharing the art of theater is incredibly important and there is no better way to do so than when The REP opens its doors to high school drama students.
Once a year, The REP opens itself to South Walton High School (SWHS) drama students in a partnership that not only inspires theater veterans and the community but strives to give students an opportunity to experience professional theater at its finest. During the beginning of February, the drama students of SWSH spend an entire week at The REP creating and experiencing the very essence of live theater. Led by Don Goodrum, these young aspiring artists direct and act in a festival of one-act plays that culminate into a multi-night performance of love, labor and self-expression.
While the work for these students begins long before they arrive in Seaside, their journey truly takes shape as they step foot on The REP stage. All week long, The REP serves as an instrument of possibility and shows these talented students a glimpse of what awaits them in the future. Working tirelessly throughout the week perfecting their scenes, pulling together costumes and props, and perfecting every last detail, these aspiring artists finally take the stage in a highly-anticipated three-night run to sold-out audiences.
South Walton High School’s Student Directed One-Act Festival is on Feb. 6, 7 and 8 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $6 and can be purchased at the door. To find out more about what The REP has coming up in the New Year, visit LoveTheREP.com.
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