From bright stage lights to beautiful performances, the Lakewood High School Barnstormers club is full of students and leaders who are passionate about the art of drama. The club works together throughout the year to put on both a play in the fall and a musical in the spring.
“Barnstormers is…made up of incredibly welcoming and talented individuals brought together by a shared love of theatre and performance,” club member Cora Barcelona said. “We’re a very dynamic club, meaning anyone is always free to join or participate regardless of interests or experience.”
Rehearsals happen multiple days a week, during which students focus on singing and choreography (for the musical), as well as acting and blocking (for the play). “For the most part, we rehearse every day right after school at 3:00 pm. Depending on how far we are from the show, it can go anywhere between 5:00 pm and 8:30 pm,” Barcelona said.
The rehearsals may be demanding, but they’re made fun through the many different passionate teachers and students involved. Running the club, there are directors for each aspect of the productions.
“We have [Rayna] Brooks, who is in charge of teaching music. Carolyn [Demanelis] is in charge of blocking the entire show. Jailyn Harris choreographs dance numbers. [Clinton] Steinbrunner directs the pit orchestra, which plays our music [live]. And Freddy Hill designs and builds the set,” club member Samantha Perry said.
Working with these directors are the student actors, but also the stage crew and pit orchestra members, who are more behind the scenes. “The crew is essential because they all help make sure props are where they need to be, all of the lighting cues are on time, help build the set, work with mics/sound, etc,” Perry said.
Barnstormer productions are spectacular thanks to the teamwork and effort that everyone brings into rehearsals. With so many people being involved to bring a story to life, students and directors alike have to find ways to work together, which the Barnstormers accomplish with every show.
Music director Rayna Brooks attributes the success of their shows to the dedication of students and staff. “It’s just how invested all of the adults are and the success of the students in making sure that the efforts [and talent] they put in have a chance to be seen by an audience,” Brooks said.
Teamwork is not the only skill that members learn through Barnstormers. Of course, there’s skill development for students’ acting, singing, or dancing, but there’s more that can be learned through the production process. “Not only do you learn to better your singing/acting/dancing, but you learn skills that everyone needs, such as public speaking, memorization skills, and confidence,” Perry said.
Not only are some valuable personal skills developed, but members can also learn skills that foster a sense of community and collaboration, too. “Barnstormers really stands out to me as an extracurricular based on trust and connection,” Barcelona said. “It’s impossible not to find community when you’re rehearsing together for months on end.”
Barnstormers is a great option for those who want to be involved in an extracurricular activity that impacts both their development and learning. “Music is a basic subject just as important as your math or English class,” Perry said. “But putting together memorization, public speaking, self-confidence, etc, [Barnstormers is] much more than it seems at first glance.”
Through Barnstormers, students are able to take advantage of opportunities to perform under the lights while also welcoming both personal and collaborative growth. It’s a place where students can feel like they are able to express themselves and feel at home, while enjoying the beauty of performance and theatre, in front of a crowd of friends and loved ones who support them the whole way.
