Shining the Spotlight on the Thespians at STE

STE is home to a diverse Arts Department. A vital component is the sprawling Theater Department that has continued to grow under the leadership of Mr. Santry Rush. Mr. Rush is a funny and supportive mentor who first came into the Theater Department six years ago and has since revitalized the program. Isabella Sanabria recounts, “I’ve been part of the STE Theater since 7th grade, but I loved watching their shows ever since I was in Lower School.” She explains, “I joined because I helped them with the productions before I was a part of them and I saw how a group of people could make something so extraordinary. I deeply wanted to be a part of it!” 

Over the last few years, the STE Theater Department have performed many wonderful plays, including The Sound of Music, Pride and Prejudice, as well as The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds. Most recently, this November, they performed Shakespeare’s Macbeth which is a dramatic and tragic tale portraying the rise and fall of a Scottish king. Opening night was a smashing success; with the theater filled up, Mr. Rush, the cast and the crew transported the audience on a vivid journey. Before any of the cast took to the stage, a new medium was introduced - a projected video accompanied by a singing - which helped draw the audience’s attention and provided a smooth transition into the first act. Additionally, this medium was also employed to enthrall the audience while the crew changed sets between scenes. As the play continued, it was clear to see the effort that everyone involved put in.

Two members of the cast really stood out, David Barrash and Isabella Sanabria - the leading actor and actress - who played Macbeth and Lady Macbeth respectively. The pair practiced tirelessly and it showed; they had great chemistry, and even better monologues. Furthermore, they were emotional and dynamic which is necessary to play such complex characters. “Macbeth was definitely a challenge, my first Shakespeare. Memorizing these lines took more than any other show because I barely understood any of it!”, said Isabella Sanabria, “Gradually, I understood and was able to step into my role as Lady Macbeth. She was one of the most emotionally complex characters that I’ve ever played. Her death was a challenge especially.”

Opening Night wrapping up. (From back left: John Barnes, Krista Ivy, Hilton Flournoy, Victoria Sanabria, Antonella Wesson, Eleanor Roeser, Felicity Ramsey, Chloe Wong. From the middle left: Emilio Haidar, Becket Yowell, Gabriella Tatsui. From the front left: Giuliana Jansen, Elizabeth Carroll, Isabella Sanabria, David Barrash, Olivia McCray, Madison Richardson). 

Although the leads exemplified these qualities, everyone in the cast was dynamic in their movement and acting. Another significant highlight of the performance were the special effects, props and costumes. Based on the Scottish background of the play, Mrs. Ann Seitz was able to make costumes that emulate the traditional Scottish attire that would suit the times. Music, props (swords and fake blood packets) and special effects (fog and lighting) helped immerse the audience in the play’s reality. What really made this a STE production was the inclusion of Lower School students Emilio Haidar and Brynn Carr who played Macduff’s children wonderfully. This really showed the program’s commitment to fostering a love for performing.

This year’s show culminated with a final sweltering scene where Macbeth was finally murdered. Overall, it was a massive hit! “That’s the most difficult show that we’ve done since I’ve worked at STE. The students really worked hard to make it all come together”, exclaimed Mr. Rush. But he wasn’t the only one who was ecstatic; the cast, crew, families and audience members were all delighted with the production.