Director’s Note
Welcome to the 2022-23 Saugus High Drama club's season, and fall production of SELFIE by Bradley Hayward. I was initially drawn to this play for its poignant depiction of how people,in particular teenagers, communicate through social media taking pictures in today’s world. I love the contrast between how people represent themselves online vs the reality. I also seek out stories that tell the “not so pretty picture” of real life. These seniors go through many ups and downs that we all can relate to, and in the end most of them find their place, as we hope all seniors in high school do. The journey these seniors go on involves not only the poor choices some teenagers make as a cautionary tale, but also the lessons they learn from them, and that is the focus--learning the lessons. We all make mistakes in life, but in the end we hopefully grow from them as we come into our own.
These students have worked extremely hard to bring this story to life. They have put in long hours after school and on weekends while juggling other after school activities, clubs, and part time jobs, all while maintaining their grades. Our student director, Afnan, was a great example of what a student director should be, and I have enjoyed showing her all I know, and seeing her take over at times and direct some scenes as well. Pay attention to scenes 7&8 which are directed by our student director. We have also had students work on the set design and costume design. In fact the Tech Theatre class had a design project in which many of the costumes they designed are featured. Student costume designer Malu Fernades spearheaded the student costume design project.
I am proud to be the new director of the High School Drama Program, a legacy that holds a special place for many staff and alums. I had the privilege of working with Nancy Lemoine back in 2006 when I taught English here at the high school, and it is with her memory in mind that the Drama Club produces every production, and one of the auditorium namesake dedications.
I hope you find a moment that is not only relatable to your own high school experience, but one that warms your heart or makes you emotional, as I have while directing it. We all have or will someday experience loss, heartbreak, and the joy of love and sunsets, all while figuring out who we are meant to be. In particular I have been moved by the thoughts of what it means to be a daughter, mother, and wife, and what happens when you are no longer any of those things. These seniors are frozen in their moments where they experience all of the wonderful, messy, difficult experiences a high school senior year has to offer. I hope you enjoy SELFIE as much as I have enjoyed directing it. Thank you to my family and friends for their support. To my husband Matt, and my kids, Ava and Michael: I love you always and will be home early from now on, or until we start the next show. Thank you to Saugus High School for welcoming me back with open arms, and making me feel like I never left, and to the Drama Club for welcoming me into their home away from home.
- Alisha Dolan
2022
