After months of preparation, two seniors prepare for a bittersweet but hopeful goodbye to the theatre program with one last play. Before Juan Guerra ’24 and Belle King ’24 go off to college, they will be starring as Mrs. White and Professor Plum in “Clue.” They describe the production as “exciting” and “humorous,” with comedy for all. While preparing for the play, these talented seniors have been able to show off their abilities and confidence from years of drama to create an authentic and dynamic show.
Both Guerra and King developed a passion for performing and acting in their childhood years. King reflected positively on her role in the ensemble in the third grade, saying, “I didn’t know anything about acting but once I got on stage I couldn’t stop smiling because it just felt good to be on stage with people who had been working hard like I had.”
For Guerra, the stage became a sanctuary where he could express himself freely and connect with others who shared his enthusiasm for creativity. When asked about his experience being involved in drama, Guerra recognized it as “a creative outlet that is in the moment and fun, a more relaxing endeavor.”
For both students, being in the theatre has fostered purpose and empathy. Guerra has learned to be intentional and do everything with purpose. “You get good at not just saying the words but saying them in a way that is compelling and convincing,” Guerra said. “Every movement and complexion matters.”
King spoke to the virtue of empathy and the responsibility that comes with working within the shoes of a character. “You are pretending to be someone that you aren’t, so you have to think about their intentions in everything they do.” Acting has forced King to embody different characters in order to tell a story to the audience.
These skills are showcased in the fall production of “Clue.” Though the show is a brief 90 minutes with a small cast, this intimate setup fosters a dynamic and diverse chemistry among the characters.
“You could watch it in silence; have headphones with loud music on, and it would be the funniest thing you’ve ever seen because of all the physical comedy,” Guerra said.
This production relies heavily on both physical and slapstick humor, showcasing the cast’s impeccable timing and synergy that has been fostered through extensive preparation. With their combined energy and commitment, audiences can expect a hilarious and engaging experience.
Preparation and hard work leading up to this production has allowed both Guerra and King to go all out, be big, and have fun. As it’s Guerra’s final production, he said, “I’ve been more relaxed and able to enjoy the process more than I have in the past.”
With this final performance at Seattle Prep, Guerra and King celebrate their achievements and look beyond drama, carrying the lessons they have learned into their future.
