Drama club director bids farewell to program

Before relocating to Churchill, Haugen taught at Pre-Cam Community School where she did 17 short plays with students in Grades 2, 3 and 4. When she moved to Churchill about 14 years ago, the musical production began starting with Annie. Since then, excluding 2020 and 2021 due to COVID cancellations, Haugen has directed a total of 10 musicals.

Haugen described her time with drama club fulfilling, noting it’s rewarding to watch everything come together and the students work as a team. She added drama can enrich the lives of young people by boosting confidence, providing a sense of self and helps them learn to become independent.

“It just brings them out of their shell,” she said.

Costumes were provided by Theatrix Costume House in Ontario. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

The musical was made possible by dozens of actors, technical support and backstage crew members. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

Frozen Jr. included the hit song Let It Go from the Disney movie Frozen. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

The musical Frozen Jr. was chosen by the drama club last fall with auditions in October and practices starting in November. The first shows were held Wednesday with one for Bells Point Elementary School and Senator Myles Venne School students during the day, and another for parents in the evening. More local students will view the play on Thursday and Friday before the final show on Saturday.

Grade 12 student Karis Oscienny played the part of Anna, a role which was particularly challenging for her. She chose the role because of the character’s awkwardness and big emotions that she needed to portray.

“The chorography is always a challenge,” Oscienny said. “Being blind, I grew up with limited vision and then lost it, so acting and dancing is quite hard because facial expressions and knowing how to move my body is a challenge for me. That pushes me out of my comfort zone a lot, but I always just work really hard because it is all worth it in the end.”

Oscienny, along with Grade 12 student Isabel Groves, both spend many years under the direction of Haugen. Groves played the role of Elsa, which she enjoyed because of the dancing and singing element to it all. She also mentioned it was a good experience working with Haugen.

“I’ve been doing plays since Grade 5. Every year I had a good role and this is my last year sadly, but it has been super fun,” Groves said. “I love Connie. She’s been through it. This is her last year too.”

–

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno

by Derek Cornet

Drama club director bids farewell to program

What's Trending