We're all about the drama

Quite often on school campuses, you'll hear about all of the so-called "drama" going on among the students, teachers and even the parents. Whether it's an argument between friends or simply just a dirty look in the hallway, you can never seem to evade "all that drama."

Drama on the New Life Christian High School campus, however, has a whole different meaning. If you were to ask the students here what their opinion on drama is, they wouldn't think of it as something negative because here at NLCHS, it's all about the drama class — and we love all of that drama.

Amanda Juetten, in her first year of teaching drama, is already well respected and loved by students and teachers alike. Her spontaneous spirit, along with her bubbly personality, is just what the students need to get pumped up for second period every morning.

I took time to ask a few drama students what they thought about this very entertaining class and what they would say to encourage the underclassmen of New Life to take part in the class.

Junior Mackenzie Ford said, "Even if we have to be serious for a while and, say, really practice for a big play, Mrs. Juetten always finds a way to make it just a little more fun. If anyone is considering taking (the drama class) next year, I can tell you that it really helps you step out of your comfort zone, and it really challenges you."

New Life students always love a good challenge. One of my fellow seniors, Sarah Wooding, who is also one of our newest students at NLCS, said, "We learn how to get over our shyness onstage as well as offstage. To those who want to take it next year, I see it as a place to show who you really are and what you're made of. It was really hard not to be shy at first, but within the first week, I saw that the class was like a family, and I was surprised at how quickly I became comfortable here."

I asked Sandi Waters, English and speech teacher, the same questions. She answered, "I really enjoy watching the students do their acting exercises and practicing their improvisation. Drama is a great place that encourages one to step out of their comfort zone and 'perform.' It teaches you to look at certain situations from different angles, and it gives you opportunities to work with a team to achieve a common goal."

Juetten is always looking for new ideas for skits and plays, and it seems as though they get better and better as time progresses. "I just love to see the look in their eyes when they finally 'get it.' And for everyone who wants to take the class in the coming years, if you want to have fun, take drama," she said.

General Beisley is a senior at New Life Christian High School. His column appears every six weeks in Education.