BURLINGTON

by Lyra C

  Burlington High School has always been known for their fantastic plays put on by the theatre program. Usually this includes two high school plays and one children’s theatre summer play. However, this year, instead of having two plays, the drama staff has decided to have one big play, “We Will Rock You,” substituting a fall show for doing Haunted High Week in November.

   During the fall, BHS theater group put together one acts, escape rooms, and mazes. These lasted for a week during the Halloween festivities. However, many had the misconception that doing the two one acts took away the fall play. That is not the case.

   Head director, Michael Vander Linden says that for the one acts, “students got to choose how involved they were during the one acts, but for those who were dedicated to the production, it was just as much work [as a regular show].” This allows students to get to choose how involved they want to be, and the commitment each student has to theater.

  Typically, there are two main directors: Michael Vander

Linden and Holly Weston. However, for “We Will Rock You,” Holly Weston has taken some time away to be with her newborn child. This adds extra pressure to director Michael Vander Linden.

   Fortunately, the community in Burlington has been helping out more than ever. One main community member being Jen Plumber, who has become a type of Co-Director in Holly Weston’s absence. Also, PACT (Play BHS Area Community Theater) members have been coming in to give students one-on-one time to practice their songs for the spring show.

  Speaking on the situation, senior Michelle Philips says, “I’m really appreciative of the members of PACT for stepping up.  Them helping out during a rough time, it has really made a difference and means a lot to me and defiantly the others.” This is something Burlington has always been good about. Being a part of a small community allows everyone to be closer and give out a helping hand.

   Many may be wondering why “We Will Rock You” was even pushed out. Well, this year has had some unexpected bumps along the way. With Mrs.

Weston becoming pregnant, during the fall she simply did not have the energy to focus as much on the play. The show would not have been what it should be, so the decision was made to postpone it in order to do it right.

   So, instead of pushing to try to make the deadline, they decided to make it a spring show. This will give both of them more time. The spring show will not seem like a chore, but something all those involved love to do. Theater is something many love and want to do.

  With Mrs. Weston absent, Mr. Vander Linden has much more on his plate. However, with the help of the community, the expectation of the play is still held high. Everyone can expect to see another great show put together by the students of BHS.

  Burlington High School Theater gives shows put together with love, hard work, and dedication. One should make sure to go and watch as students show off all their hard work. Hours are put into these productions and one can definitely tell.

by Teagan Harris

  Newsie Teagan Harris has interviewed this year’s Yearbook editors for some answers about last year’s and this year’s Yearbook.

Q: Are you working on finishing last year’s Yearbook?

Senior Michelle Phillips:

   “Kaylie, [Mr. Vander Linden], and I are working on getting everything fully done.”

Q: How close is the book to being finsihed?

Senior Kaylie Marie:

   “We pretty much just have stories and page layouts to finish.”

Q: What really happened to delay the book’s release?

Michelle Phillips:

   “Last year’s staff never really finsihed our pages and we are missing a ton of pictures.

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Q: Will this year’s Yearbook be out on time?