Students at Mayfield High School are preparing for auditions for their upcoming production of The Addams Family Musical: School Edition, an adaptation from the Broadway version. In anticipation of the show, students have been seen reading scripts, rehearsing lines, and practicing vocals as they get ready to audition.
Theatre Director Knut Brekke is encouraging participation from all students, regardless of their experience in theatre. Brekke noted that involvement in theatre can help students build confidence and improve skills that benefit them in other classes. He said it also promotes reading and helps students become better presenters.
“Watching kids go from ‘I don’t know if I can do this’ to ‘When do I get to do this again?’ When that kind of development happens, you get a whole gamut of unexpected, wonderful things,” said Brekke.
The theatre program at Mayfield offers opportunities beyond acting, including roles in visual design and technical areas like audio and lighting. Senior Izzy Rosenboum shared her long-standing passion for performance, having started acting at age five and continuing through her senior year.
“Performing has really made me more confident overall,” said senior Izzy Rosenboum. “I love the rush of being on stage. You can feel the heat of the lights, and when you look out into the darkness of the audience, you finish a song, a dance sequence or a really powerful scene and for a second, it’s silent. Then you hear the clapping.”
Despite being smaller than other programs in New Mexico, Mayfield’s theatre class continues to offer an inclusive environment where students support each other’s growth. Freshman Rubi Ponce spoke about learning from classmates with diverse talents.
“My classmates all have their own unique talents. They each teach you something different, new ways to act, perform, and how to step out of your comfort zone. I’ve made some really good friends in this program,” said Rubi Ponce.
The school invites members of Las Cruces to attend performances scheduled for October 23-25 in the Mayfield High School Theatre Room. Shows begin at 7 p.m., with a matinee on October 25 at 2 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door for $8 (students with ID) or $12 (general admission), cash only.
“Audience members can expect plot twists, energetic dance numbers, lively singing, and just a really good time,” said sophomore Annabelle Wood.
