Going Greek: Central Carolina Academy theater takes stage for first time
Apr. 18—When the actors from Central Carolina Academy take the stage at Life Springs Church later this week, it will be a moment in history for them — both literally and figuratively.
Friday night will mark the school's first theater production — and that production will feature some ancient history and mythology.
"It is our first production here at Central Carolina Academy," Kristee McCusker, an English, history and theatrical arts teacher at the school said. "I'm very excited to be a part of this. The students are fabulous. Most of them have never been on stage before. We have two who have actually acted before."
McCusker said students at the middle school and secondary level enjoy Greek mythology.
"We thought we would start with something they were most interested in," she said. "So we're doing Myth Adventures — 5 Greek Classics — dealing with the consequences of pushing too far, doing what is right when things in the world are wrong around you, dong things you shouldn't be doing and the consequences of that. It's an age appropriate thing for the students."
In all, 26 students are involved in the production, according to McCusker.
"We had 46 audition and 26 made it," she said.
The mythical tales are King Midas, Orpheus and Eurydice, Narcissus and Echo, Icarus and Daedalus, and Theseus and Minotaur. The show will last approximately one hour and 15 minutes.
Performances are Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 5 p.m. at Life Springs Church, 3215 Keller-Andrews Road. Tickets are $10 and $5 for Central Carolina Academy students. Children 2 and younger are free. Online there is a Venmo app for those who want to purchase in advance, or they can be purchased at the door.
McCusker said there had been a lot of support in the community.
"We've been working to get our kids out in the community, and that way they feel they're part of everything," she said. "It's our communal family — not just our church family."
Cole Couture, who has several roles in the play, said he is excited to be a part of the production.
"I am King Midas, Zeus and Aegis," he said. "I feel this is a fun work environment for CCA. You have a lot of people you get to work with. It's a stress-free zone."
Addison Mashburn is involved behind the scenes as backstage manager.
"I'm basically in charge of where props go, set design and things like that," she said. "I've really enjoyed this. It's my first time doing something like this, but it's been really fun working with everybody. It's stressful, but it's fun. I've done a good amount of work and it is time consuming, but at the end of the day it's worth — as long as the play looks great."
Gracie Norris is also involved in the production on both sides of the stage. She plays Calliope and is the assistant stage manager.
"Working with Ms. McCusker has been amazing," she said. "She's great at directing things and keeping everybody in check. I feel like this drama club is great for people to make new friends. You get to work with people that you never thought you'd get to meet. This is really a way for people to express themselves and enjoy themselves."
