Drama students from Freedom HS presented their skills in a variety of performances at the ArtsQuest Center May 7 for the second annual Theatre Showcase. The intermediate FHS Drama 2 class, also known as “MotivatedByVision Improv Troupe,” prepared five scenes from well-known skits, plays and performance pieces.

Three professional adjudicators, including award-winning actor/director Lynnie Godfrey, actor/director Chip Rohrbach, and producer Qbah Fernandez provided feedback to each student upon completion of a performance. A total of 20 students participated in the event, working together and choosing their favorite scenes to perform.

The final scene in Act I was written and directed by Freedom student, Adam Recke. Adam has become an inspiration while at Freedom, capturing the hearts of the community with his foundation Race for Adam, raising money and awareness of Niemann-Pick Type C Disease. His scene held a beautiful and touching message for the audience, with each line beginning with “Adam says…” and ending with special advice that Adam wishes to share with the world. Adam said he was excited to have his scene performed at the event and plans to continue writing thanks to the support and encouragement of his teacher, Jennifer Wescoe.

Act II was saved for “the Harold.” This is a type of long-form improv where a random theme is given at the start and must be incorporated into six parts. Ten out of the 20 students participated in this live improv, with senior Erin Cavanaugh noting, “This was only my second time doing this style. It was stressful before I started, but once I was in the moment it was fun.”

The Drama 2 class is taught by Jennifer Wescoe, the head of the Freedom HS Theatre Company which performed “Peter Pan” as its spring musical this year. Wescoe indicated the students had two months to learn the Harold but only one month to choose, learn, and practice their scenes from Act I. The adjudicators were very impressed with the students’ hard work and dedication, as were the families and friends of those who performed.