Who Are the Fourth Wall Players?

4WP. I’m sure you have seen it around school. Maybe you don’t know what it means, which is understandable, because its meaning doesn’t just jump right out at you. The acronym stands for the Fourth Wall Players, which is the acting troupe right here at the high school. Perhaps you have also heard that recently the Fourth Wall Players put on Lillian Hellman’s play “The Children’s Hour”. For those of you who were not able to attend the fall play, (and those who were, for that matter) this article is an inside look into what the play was about and what it’s like to be a Fourth Wall Player.

“The Children’s Hour” is the tragic story of two school teachers in the 1930s whose lives get ripped apart by a vicious rumor. To avoid punishment for running away from school, entitled student Mary Tilford (portrayed by the talented Olivia Bowlin) makes up a rumor that she saw her two teachers involved in a lesbian love affair. This lie is just that, until it quickly escalates into a living nightmare for the two women involved. Because it was written in the 1930s, the ‘scandal’ associated with its lesbian theme caused it to be banned from the Boston stages in 1935 by mayor Frederick Mansfield. It was extremely controversial then, but the world still has not progressed as much as one would have hoped since those days. Director Chris Lacy says that “it is important to address such topics; these shows make statements, and represent things that NHS stands for, like tolerance and acceptance”. Mr. Lacy says that he thinks “The Children’s Hour” is an outstanding piece of drama, and that he loves “the way it builds to a crescendo in each of the three acts, especially the third,” and that it is a “great play for cast members to test their craft as actors”.

And test themselves they did. The roles of the two teachers were played by the outstanding Abigail Quinn and Rosemary Hoitt, with equally important characters portrayed by Michael Asnes, Kristin McCarthy, Kendall Anthony, and Allison Ward. The schoolteachers’ characters pose an extreme challenge for even professional actors, and Quinn and Hoitt executed the roles elegantly. The ability to watch students like them grow and develop from season to season is his favorite part of his job as a drama teacher. And the cast members certainly had a fantastic time taking part. Although they were dealing with such heavy subject matter, one rehearsal could not go by without numerous bouts of split-your-sides laughter. “It was one of the most fun things I have ever done,” reports junior Abigail Quinn. “Rehearsals were so much fun, and everyone loved each other”. “Everyone there had similar interests and were constantly building each other up in that positive environment,” adds junior Ally Ward. She thought the play selection was very good and that the 1930s time period was a fun challenge to portray accurately. “The topic is still relevant; shame about being who you are is still an issue. It is an important thing to talk about, and is not talked about enough”. When I asked if they would do the play again, the answer was a resounding “Yes!!” from both. “It was stressful, but worth it,” Abigail tells me, and though the cast put in a lot of work for only three performances, she says the surrounding environment is more important, “worth spending time with people and learning more about what you love to do”. Their advice? Join the plays! Every cast member I spoke to recommended taking part. Ally Ward said to try stage crew because “being involved in the community is as important as being on stage”. “Get in on ground one. Start as a freshman,” says Rosemary Hoitt. She recalls what former senior Kayla Billard said looking back on her acting ‘career’ at high school: “Wow. I wish I had done this sooner”. So, if you love the idea of “telling someone’s story through a different perspective” (AW) and are ready to work hard with people that support you, you are ready to become a Fourth Wall Player. If you couldn’t audition for the winter play, don’t worry! Before you know it, spring auditions will be announced; come and try out! We are sure you will enjoy great friends, numerous inside jokes, and a multitude of Dunkin’ Donuts runs.