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The Michigan Interscholastic Forensics Association State Theater Competition will take place in just a few weeks.
Thirteen schools will qualify for the competition in Grand Rapids, but Calumet High School Drama Club is the only Upper Peninsula school competing.
Even though they are automatically qualified to attend the “State” competition, the club needs to host and perform a “District” and “Regional” show to qualify for “States.”
CHS English Teacher and Drama Director, David Heinz, says the club is fundraising for the trip down to Grand Rapids.
Heinz said, “We are going to do a college visit at Grand Valley State University and go to the theater department. We’re going to take them out to see “A Good Man Charlie Brown” on Thursday night. So, both of these performances are fundraisers to help raise the rest of the money that we need. We also have a GoFundMe page. We’re not looking to raise a lot but if we can get $500-600 dollars, that’s going to cover what we need it to. ”
The play is a one-act comedy written by local playwright Kris Kyro titled “Under the Northern Star.” The story gives the audience a glimpse into the unique heritage of the Copper Country.
Student Director, Jenna Kivela-Heinz, says they received the script three weeks ago and still have more to work on before their next performances.
Kivela-Heinz said, “We’ve been practicing a lot with the “Yooper” accents. Some of us don’t…like personally I don’t have a Yooper accent. So, it was hard for me to get into character and get a Yooper accent. We’re struggling with that, so that’s something we’re still going to need to work on.”
The next performance of “Under the Northern Star” by Calumet High School Drama Club will take place on February 13th at the Calumet Theatre.
