Auditions for the 2017 De Soto High School winter play, Arsenic and Old Lace, were held Dec 6-8. Students from all grade levels auditioned for the show. Auditonees were required to memorize and perform a short monologue.

Students prepared for their auditions in various ways. Junior Kierstyn Mascareno focused on developing her character.

 
“I worked on my audition with my friends in seminar several times, I watched the play to study my character, I worked on my voice and practiced a lot the night before,” Mascareno said.

 
Callbacks for students being considered for lead roles were held on Dec. 8.

 
“Callbacks were so nerve-wracking,” junior Grace Lindsey said. “We have never had to cut from the play before and you could just feel the tension in the air with all the people auditioning.”

 
Despite the stress involved with auditions, Mascareno appreciates the learning opportunity auditions provided.

 
“One thing I’ve learned is that I’ve grown a lot as an actor since freshman year. I was thinking about how much I’ve learned from being in a bunch of shows and getting more experience. It was nice going into an audition seeing how I’ve changed and grown a lot,” Mascareno said.

 
Rehearsals for the play will begin at the start of second semester. In addition to the cast of the show, several students are taking behind the scenes roles as stage managers.

 
“I decided to stage manage to learn about another aspect of theatre,” assistant stage manager Lina Al-Tahhan said. “I’m often a cast member and I realized I never explored the different roles needed to put on a production. I’m excited to work with the cast and gain a better understanding of life as a stage manager.”

 
Lindsey was ultimately cast as Abby, a sweet old woman who poisons her unsuspecting house guests.

 
“I’m really excited about having fun with all the people in the cast. I’m not really nervous since I’ve done plays in the past so I understand what goes on and I really enjoy it,” Lindsey said.