Notre Dame Academy prides itself on being a school of endless opportunities, so how about having a first-ever occurrence added to the list?

For the first time ever, the annual spring play will be run by members of the student body, which is good news for the program because there was uncertainty about the production’s future.

Scheduled for April 11-12, the one-act play Snow White will feature a cast of 18.

“I was pretty sure there would be no spring play,” said Mrs. Jennie Laaksonen. “They–the students–came to us about it.”

Stepping into the director’s chairs are NDA seniors Amelia Chrudimsky and Maame Asiamah, who are no strangers to the spotlight.

“We decided that since Maame and I are seniors who have become very experienced in the world of theatre, the two of us would direct the show,” said Chrudimsky, who is technically the head director.

Both seniors have taken part in the play before, and both had leads in the most recent musical production Freaky Friday.

As assistant director, Asiamah will simultaneously be helping direct the play and acting in it as well. She says she has gained valuable experience from her time in musicals that she will lean on for guidance.

“Most of my experience will probably come from watching Mrs. Gilson direct the musical, but performing in shows has also given me an idea of what feels right onstage,” she said.

Each of these talented actors has displayed their skills on stage, but being in control of an entire show certainly will provide a different perspective. 

“I think the biggest challenge about my new role as director will be that I am the person in charge of putting together the entire show. I am so used to only being on stage and having to worry only about my own performance, but now I am responsible for the outcome of the entire production,” commented Chrudimsky.

Helping the students navigate these waters are several teachers in the building who will supervise rehearsals.

“Jake (Gerlikovski) and I are taking the lead with being the adult supervisors,” added Laaksonen, who is director of activities here at school.  

Other staff members will assist at after-school rehearsals on a kind of rotating basis. 

“How could I say ‘no’ when they asked me to give up an afternoon or two for rehearsal supervision in the auditorium?” asked Mrs. Brown when she was approached by students trying to organize the production. 

Brown, along with other staff members Joan Cinotto, Andrea Gilson, Tom Kiely and  Deborah Gretzinger, will be present in the auditorium during rehearsals.

“I was at the first rehearsal,” continued Brown, “and I was totally impressed by the leadership of the directors and the enthusiasm of the whole cast. From seniors to freshmen, all were engaged and supportive of each other during the read-through.”

After her first rehearsal freshman Hayleigh Cornwell said, “I have really enjoyed working with everyone so far.  Amelia is very organized and good at directing.”  

Other “newbies” to the NDA stage, such as Carter Kramer, explained they tried out for the play “to branch out and meet lots of interesting people.”

Along the same lines, freshman Julia Gutowski said, “I decided to go to tryouts to be involved and spend time with friends.  Even if I have a smaller role, it’s still enjoyable, and I’m prepared to continue with it.”

Josh Huss, who was in the musical, said, “I decided to do the spring play because I was excited to see what we students could produce.”

The tech aspect of any production is critical. Luckily for Notre Dame, they have one of the best in the business with a plethora of experience. 

Jake Gerlikovski, one of the most well-known production engineers anywhere, is committed to student involvement in the production of the play.

“Tech is going to be more student-driven,” said Gerlikovski. “The technical calendar has been figured out.”

“The play is a little less stressful but has different challenges,” said Gerlikovski on the difference between running tech for the play as compared to the musical.  

Not to be overlooked are the students involved in building the set and doing make-up.  

“I decided to do the hair and make-up for the play because I always wanted to be a part but knew I wanted a small part.  I’m talented at make-up and decided that’s what I wanted to do,” said freshman Maily Reyes.

This year will be critical for the future of the show, but as the old adage says, “The show must go on.”  And this group of students is determined to make this show one of the most memorable yet.