Drama and Speech Activites
The Many Drama and Speech Activities
Richards High School Drama and Speech Activities seek to educate students and the community about the theatrical arts. The clubs and activities within the programs promote learning about theater through activities, trips and productions that enhance the educational goals of the theatrical discipline. They also strive to foster an appreciation of all forms of the performing arts and provide opportunities for artistic growth within the organization itself as well as within the community. Membership is open to all students who share the club's goal of promoting awareness of theater and performing arts on campus and in the community.
Drama Club
- Sponsor: Mr. Nebor
- Meetings Every Monday in the PAC 3:15-4:00pm
The Drama Club welcomes any and all students to learn about the theater. The major tasks for the year involve Fall Play, Contest Play, Group Interpretation, and the Spring Musical (see music page). Students learn all aspects of the theater including: acting, lighting, sound, set design, make-up, costumes, and the like.
Fall Play
- Sponsor: Mr. Badger
- Performances are usually in October.
- Auditions each year in Late August or Early September.
Fall Play is a full-length theatrical performance. Students learn all aspects of the theater including: acting, lighting, sound, set design, make-up, costumes, and the like.
Speech Team
- Sponsors: Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Nebor, Mr. Badger
- Auditions are usually in September.
- The practice schedule begins in September.
- Competition schedule runs from Late October through the middle of February.
Speech, or Individual Events, involves a plethora of acting, writing, and public speaking events that range from serious to humorous. It is a great way to develop your ability to write, act, communicate, and present. The speech team welcomes all newcomers and welcomes back all varsity members for each season.
Performance in the Round
- Sponsor - Changes year to year. This is a Speech team event.
Performance In the Round is a 15 minute theatrical production that is added to the end of the Speech Team season.
Contest Play
- Sponsor: Mr. Badger
- Auditions/Selections of cast are December/January.
- Competitions are in March.
Contest Play is a competitive theatre production in the IHSA State Series that goes beyond the realm of acting to include the many elements involved in the performance arts. Set design, lights and technical effects, sound and music, and stage management are all necessary to put on a successful contest play. We compete at Conference and Sectionals.
Group Interpretation
- Sponsor: Mr. Jacobson
- Auditions/Selections of cast are December/January.
- Competitions are in March.
Group Interpretation is a competitive performance that competes in the IHSA State Series. Its minimalist set and costumes leave for performances that bring out a strong ensemble and a unique style of acting.