Dunbar Drama Headed to Nationals

The theater department has been around since 1990 when the school first opened. It is currently run by Mrs. Alicia Henning, the theater director, and Mrs. Brooke Jackson, the musical theater director

This year, there have been an impressive number of productions despite the limitations of the pandemic.

Their contest show, Storm in the Barn, will travel to SETC on March 9 where Dunbar and Lafayette are the only two schools representing Kentucky at the competition. The show has previously competed at the Kentucky Thespian Festival and at the Kentucky Theatre Association where it won second place. 

Here’s a look at theater seniors performing in Storm in the Barn.

Eli Schwartz

Eli has been a part of the program for three years, and he is currently cast in Shrek as Donkey, in Descendants as Carlos, and in Romeo and Juliet as Romeo.

He said that theater is a way of connecting with classmates on a whole different level.

His favorite memory from his years in this program was during Spamalot when a castmate had to think quickly to ad-lib during an unexpected announcement.

“We were doing an in-school performance when the loudspeakers came on, so Addison said ‘God?’ to play it off.”

“Theater was a turning point for me; I met some of my best friends in the theater and I love the people there. I don’t know one word to describe what theater means to me, but I can say joining has made a pivotal impact on my teenage years in the best way possible.”

Gabby Dahlgern

Gabby Dahlgern joined the theater program during her last year of high school, while she hasn’t been in a show or seen many of Dunbar’s yet; she looks forward to watching the upcoming shows this year. Gabby does tech for Descendants and Shrek this year and talked about how she was watching the first rehearsal for Descendants as students were learning the first dance and realized how excited she was for the show they were about to create.

“Hmm, the theater was a turning point for me; I met some of my best friends in the theater and I love the people there. I don’t know one word to describe what theater means to me, but I can say joining has made a pivotal impact on my teenage years in the best way possible.”

Wayne McClung

Wayne McClung has been a part of Dunbar’s theater program for two years and was also involved in his middle school program from ages 9-12. Wayne is currently cast in Shrek as Shrek, Pa in Storm in the Barn, Lord Montague in Romeo and Juliet, and Jay in Descendants.

Wayne said that throughout his time in Dunbar’s program, he has felt like it’s a family.

“It’s a great thing to try if you haven’t found your place in the world yet,” he said. “There’s something for everyone such as performing or behind the scenes work.”

Caden Carter

Senior Caden Carter has been a part of the theater program since his freshman year. He has had two of the lead roles out of the four productions being produced this semester while also being the main character in the other two productions.

He plays Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, The Storm King in Storm in the Barn, Jay in Descendants, and Wolf in Shrek.

My favorite memory from the theatre department is probably when I first joined, I made so many friends so quickly, many of whom were ok with just having fun for the sake of having fun.

Aria Daffron

Aria Daffron is a senior in the program who has been in theater since 4th grade. Her favorite role shes played at Dunbar was Glory in “Almost, Maine” Dunbar did in 2020 pre-covid; she also plays Fiona in “Shrek”, Lady Capulet in “Romeo and Juliet”, and Mal in “Descendants.”

“One of my favorite memories is definitely going to competition and winning 2nd at KTA this year. Theater is the most wonderful form of expression. it’s never boring and there’s so much creativity that goes into it”

Tickets for performances can be purchased online or at the door.