Puberty, and the traumatic years that follow, often finds teenagers grasping for ways to camouflage themselves like little chameleons... trying desperately to disappear into the background, following trends to blend in with the rest of the students. For young thespians, Drama Club was one of the few places in high school where expression was often encouraged, and you were free to be someone else.  You were free to stand out from the crowd.

But first, you had to stand out in your audition.  Whether your school prepared for the bittersweet Romeo and Juliet, the swinging Guys and Dolls,  or the rompin' stompin'  Oklahoma!, the process always began with fervor and excitement.  Once potential Tonys and Marias and Cowardly Lions plucked up their "noive," they had to face down the often loved-and-hated drama teacher (and possibly a room full of onlookers) with a song or a scene or a monologue.  Those who showed a glimmer of star quality were sometimes called back up to perform again.  And then, the waiting.  The aching, horrible waiting for the cast list to be posted up on the bulletin board.  And if your name was there... well, you were gonna be a star, baby.

While acting was the obvious choice for some, countless others found a happy home designing lavish lets, applying makeup, choreographing dances, or playing in the orchestra.  Some even had the chance to be a part of the whole organization of the production, helping it all come together.  Everyone had a job of equal importance (though not always equal glory.  But we remember you, kid-who-moved-the-spotlight! )

Part of the allure of the Drama Club was the intense time (known as "hell week") before a play or musical debuted in high school theaters and gymnasiums-- or, perhaps, in one-act play competition at districts, regionals, states, or nationals, if you were lucky.  But no matter how or where you performed your "Once in a Blue Moon" soft-shoe, seeing months of hard-work come together for a magical moment on stage was always well worth it.  It remains an experience which has thrilled--and united-- countless high schoolers throughout the years, and allowed them to create a proud and unique identity outside of (and part of) a crowd.