Broken Box’s whimsical production of “The Hobbit” opened November 2, with many cast members donned in capes and face masks. During tech week, seven Broken Box students fell ill, including actors in the leading roles of Bilbo, Gandalf, and Thorin. Although it was challenging for so many students to be sick during tech week, Broken Box students stepped up to make sure the show would go on.
“Surprisingly, I think everything came together pretty well, despite the number of absences,” junior Audrey Jamieson said. “People were very willing to step into roles that they’d never done before, cover for each other and just have positive attitudes.”
Students on tech crew were part of the collaborative effort, taking the place of absent actors.
“For most of the show, I have been standing in for actors on stage in case someone doesn’t show up for the day,” junior Peyton Januario, Broken Box Assistant Stage Manager, said. “Stepping in for actors who are out can be a big help for everyone else to run the show smoothly. I really love working with the other actors even if my job isn’t the easiest.”
Students in the Design and Fabrication course helped create the set — spending time to design and construct the Hobbit door of Bilbo’s house and the dragon puppet.
“It’s so cool to see people outside of Broken Box pitch in to make things for the show,” Audrey said.
Students in the Design and Fabrication course helped create the set — spending time to design and construct the Hobbit door of Bilbo’s house and the dragon puppet.
The hobbit door was designed by students in the Design and Fabrication course on stage during tech week.
The cast mostly recovered by opening night, save for one actor who was still out sick. However, Broken Box was prepared for this setback, splitting the lines of the student who was out between two others.
Broken Box students had four shows total in addition to performing for Santa Rita Elementary and Almond Elementary students last Friday and two more times last Saturday.
Broken Box has two productions left in their 2023–24 season. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes will happen from Thursday, February 29 to March 30 and The Curse of the Band will be from April 25–27.
