ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE

By ELIZABETH ALLEGRO 

Although most are dreaming of snow days and Thanksgiving turkeys, some students of Washingtonville already have their minds on set on March: the Masque and Mime crew. Mask and Mime is Washingtonville High School’s drama program. They put on anywhere from three to five different productions that range from straight plays to musicals, as well as talent shows and a catered Cabaret Night throughout the year.

The spring musical is quickly approaching and, despite the fact that the casting board has not yet decided which show it will be, everyone is still very excited. This is the largest production Mask and Mime puts on each year. The full length show involves singing, dancing and acting. Thinking about auditioning? The auditions take place at the end of December, a week after the winter musical. Make sure to listen closely to the announcements and attend the informational meeting on Monday, December 12th. 

ELIZABETH  ALLEGRO FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

The process of auditioning is extremely intense.  In order to audition, students must memorize a monologue and song for the role they would like.  Along with that, students will learn some pieces of choreography that need to be perfected come audition day. Friday, December 14th will be the first day of the auditions, where students will sing their song selection, perform their monologue, and dance for the audition panel. On Saturday, some students may be invited to the school for "callbacks."  Callbacks are when certain students need to be more closely examined for what part they might be right for.  The Masque and Mime advisor, Ms. Denaro, ensures that “everyone who auditions has a part in the show, but callbacks help ensure that everyone is cast in the best possible spot for the show."  She went on to explain that the highly anticipated "cast list will then be posted on Monday, 12/17, and rehearsals will begin after winter break.”

What is great about Washingtonville's Masque & Mime Club is that everyone is accepted.  Ms. Denaro expressed, “I want students who audition to know that there is a place for everyone in Masque & Mime. We are a welcoming group that is eager for more fresh talent, so anyone who likes performing should come out to our spring musical auditions.  She also wants students to know that, "the entire casting board has been in those shoes before--myself and my co-director less than a decade ago.  We know how nerve-wracking putting yourself out there on stage can be. But all of that goes away once you start rehearsing, and the amazing feeling of putting on a show is something you can't top. So its all worth it!”

Alex Lombardo has been in many of the school’s productions and was Miss Dorothy Brown in last year's spring musical, “Thoroughly Modern Millie." Her advice to someone new is “Don’t be afraid to show who you are. Performing is an amazing way to do so and everyone in Mask and Mime is so accepting and friendly.  We are all there because we share the same love for the arts.  Never feel afraid to get involved!”

Mask and Mime pro, Richard DiVirgilio, has some good advice for new members. “Plan your time wisely, and savor every moment on stage. Being a part of the spring musical is very time consuming, but it is definitely worth it. It is about growing, learning and performing!”

If the auditorium is the one place in the school where you feel at home, do not miss out on the amazing opportunity to be a part of Washingtonville High School’s Mask and Mime! Also make sure to check out their winter production of Elf Junior on December 7th and 8th.