Meet the Directors
The Freshman Play is an Introduction to John Jay High School Theatre
Elizabeth Birmingham and Fayth Wisehart are comfortable and confident in their new role as senior directors of the Freshman Play. It’s an experience the two friends first aspired to three years ago, even before they went on to be involved in over a half-dozen theater productions at John Jay High School.
“We talked about being senior directors together when we were in the Freshman Play,” said Elizabeth. "It's been a plan for a while."
"The Freshman Play is all of our first experience with theater at the high school," said Fayth. "It's when I learned that theater is all about community, especially at the high school. It’s a close-knit network, no matter if you’re acting, directing, stage crew, stage manager, lights, or costuming."
Finding Balance Between Friendship and Leadership
“The Freshman Play is a great way for freshmen to be introduced to the high school theatre department--through the leadership of their upperclassmen peers,” said Amanda Urban, the teacher-liaison for the play.
Senior directors are only three years older than their cast. Finding the balance between being a friend and someone who gets things done can get complicated—especially when your younger sister is in the play, notes Elizabeth.
Learning lines early tops the list of lessons the senior directors want to pass on.
"The freshmen have worked hard and we’ve seen them progress," said Katie Gebbia, the junior director who shadows Elizabeth and Fayth.
blending fun and work
Cast and Crew of the Freshman Play
“I’m really happy we chose this gem.”
Elizabeth and Fayth agree that the hardest part of being a senior director is choosing the play.
“A Tiny Miracle with a Fiberoptic Unicorn” by Don Zolidis is a comedy set in the winter of 1986.
“People ask where the unicorn comes in,” said Fayth. “I tell them they have to come see the show to find out!”
The directors gather the actors and crew for a photo. There’s a very good chance that the senior directors of the 2021 Freshman Play are in the group.