LIFE AT TRINITY HIGH SCHOOL
by Miriam Brown '08

November 26 , 2006

Trinity, when compared to other local high schools, may seem to be at a disadvantage when it comes to putting on theatrical productions. However, Trinity students view this situation different; we see it as a challenge that makes us stronger and pushes us to higher standards.

As an all-girl school, it is true that we lack half of the potential talent—and finding boys to fill the male roles can be troublesome. And, though I fully enjoy the benefits of attending a single-sex school, I will not deny that boys can be useful. For instance, they can lift heavy things.

In addition, Trinity does not have the enrollment nor the budget to support the type of productions that other local high schools host. However, our performances could never be labeled shabby or second-rate.

We simply work harder.

For instance, a lack of boys and a tighter budget didn’t stop a crowd of 400 from enjoying the closing night performance of “The Wizard of Oz” that Trinity High School put on in November. But, what the crowd didn’t know as they clapped and applauded the actors during curtain call, was that they were unconsciously affirming the work and product of the entire Trinity community. Although only the cast and running crew were allowed backstage, figuratively speaking the entire school body was behind the scenes.

The final product may not have had the most intricate of sets or the most astounding use of special effects, but what made “The Wizard of Oz” a unique and exceptional performance was the way it showcased the different types of talents the girls offered up. With that and a little bit of creativity, the audience was engaged. While the tornado scene may have only consisted of the running crew twirling around the stage carrying pieces of the set—the audience was still drawn in.

It all began two months ago when preparation first commenced. While the munchkins and winkies practiced in the choral room learning their music, just as many girls bustled about the art room working equally hard to paint the sets, bringing the Emerald City alive in metallic greens and gold. While the costume crew recorded Dorothy’s measurements and dyed a wedding dress pink for Glinda, members of Trinity’s dance team were engrossed in choreographed Scarecrow’s routine.

The Trinity Advertising and Design club publicized the upcoming production, and the school newspaper had a special feature on the play. Girls possessing a love of heights braved the catwalk to work the lights while those with technical knowledge managed the unpredictable sound system. The saying, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” certainly applied to these daring girls.

In this way, these slight disadvantages helped to fashion Trinity’s “The Wizard of Oz”—it challenged all those involved to come up with original and less expensive alternatives, creating a unique production that required the labors of all the different types of talents that grow and thrive at THS.