The West Prairie Press

By Maddie Whitlock

The West Prairie Drama Club delivered a standout performance of “Avoiding the Pitfalls of High School Dating” on Feb. 20 and Feb. 21, bringing a hilarious look at teenage romance to the stage.

The production featured a blend of comedy, relatable high school moments and inside jokes that kept the audience laughing throughout the evening.

The event was more than just a play. It was a community gathering. Guests enjoyed a dinner of salad, pasta and sheet cake prepared by the school’s cafeteria staff and served by high school volunteers.

“The meal went smoothly,” cafeteria staff member Mandy Palmer said. “Students did their best at helping us out. They really jumped in and did their part.”

The performance also included interactive moments with the audience. At one point, teachers were invited on stage to answer questions as part of the show.

“I found it really funny and intriguing,” senior Melodee Ford said. “One of my favorite parts was when they brought the teachers up to ask them questions. I’m very excited to see what’s planned next.”

For senior Hailie Hendrix, the performance marked one of her final productions with the drama club.

“I felt very proud of our production, but I am also a little sad because I have been in drama club since I was a freshman,” Hendrix said. “Theater has become a big part of my life, and it’s really sad to leave one of the places that helped me discover that I love theater.”

Actors said hearing the audience react made the performance especially rewarding.

“My favorite moment from performing the play was hearing the crowd laugh at the moments we most wanted them to,” Reegan Heimer said. “I enjoyed the time I spent on stage. I love entertaining people, and the chance to perform was a great opportunity to do what I love.”

Heimer played Katie, Lenny’s first date in the show.

“She’s a girl who is kind and willing to give anyone a chance,” Heimer said.

Actors also noted that preparing for a play takes more effort than many people realize.

“It’s a lot of work to make sure everyone is prepared on time,” Hendrix said. “Even when you are prepared, you never know what is going to happen during the performance.”

Eighth grader Cashton Shipman said one of his favorite moments came during his character’s entrance.

“My favorite part was when Emmalyn and I busted through the doors to make our entrance,” Shipman said. “I loved the atmosphere of the crew. Everyone was so uplifting.”

Shipman played an impatient father in the show.

“My character was an obnoxious dad who just wanted to eat his dinner and leave the date,” Shipman said. “It takes a lot longer to memorize your lines than you think.”

Caleb Heimer said the rehearsals and improvisation made the experience especially memorable.

“My favorite moment was surprising the audience with my Baluthsa voice,” Heimer said. “I also enjoyed hanging out and joking with my friends during rehearsals.”

Heimer described his character, Lenny, as a stereotypical high school nerd.

“He wears glasses, suspenders and a button-up shirt tucked into his pants,” Heimer said. “People might not realize just how much practice actors go through to learn their lines and how unpredictable a play can be.”

With another successful production completed, audience members left the performance laughing and looking forward to what the West Prairie Drama Club will bring to the stage next.