Hollister
– On Wednesday, an unlikely group of San Benito High School
students gathered to rehearse a new play. Most of them had never
been on stage before. Even Iran White, the play’s author and
director, wondered,
”
What are all these curtains for?
”
Hollister – On Wednesday, an unlikely group of San Benito High School students gathered to rehearse a new play. Most of them had never been on stage before. Even Iran White, the play’s author and director, wondered, “What are all these curtains for?”
The boys on stage were members of the school’s track team, and White is their coach. But they’re giving theater a shot, in the hope of raising money for their spring season.
“We’re always trying to think of different ideas,” White said.
When the group of mostly first-time actors was asked if anyone had trouble memorizing their lines, junior Chris Koroluk raised his hand.
“It’s a new experience, but I’ll try anything to help the track team,” he said.
There are also a few drama veterans in the cast and crew. Sophomore Ryan Shorey, for example, has already acted in four plays.
“We haven’t had a lot of time to prepare, but I think it’ll be good,” Shorey said.
And although the production is being led by a fledgling director, White said the shift from athletics to drama hasn’t been too difficult.
“It’s kinda the same (as coaching),” White said. “I deal with this group of kids all the time. We’re pretty familiar with each other.”
Since the play is about a high school track team, most of the athletes won’t have to stretch themselves too much in their new roles. White said “On Track. Off the Wall.” also deals with more serious issues, namely racism and steroids.
“We hope people will come out to support us and hear a decent message, too,” White said.
The proceeds from the play will go toward the team’s equipment and entry fees to invitational track meets.
When he isn’t coaching track, White works as a life coach, but he’s also been interested in writing for a long time. In fact, he’s completed a novel, “The Mystery of Everyone’s Guardian Angel,” which was published in 2005, and he’s working on a second.
“Since I wrote the play, I have a good feel for how things are supposed to go,” White said. Still, he admitted that he and his cast are feeling a little apprehensive as the big day approaches. And as the team rehearsed, it was clear they weren’t quite ready for prime time. However, White said he’s optimistic that they’re going to get better.
“You should have seen us yesterday,” he said.
Anthony Ha covers local government for the Free Lance. Reach him at 831-637-5566 ext. 330 or ah*@fr***********.com.
