Changes backstage

Eva Castaneda

Choreographer Mrs. Sasloglou instructs various actors on the “bend-and-snap” at practice for this year’s production of “Legally Blonde Jr.”

Carrollton’s spring musical program has undergone a variety of changes, both by administration and with the arrival of the new Upper School theatre director, Ms. Dina Lewis.

One of the most notable differences is the new practice schedule. While it originally ran from December to March, preparation for this year’s production of “Legally Blonde Jr.” now spans September to January instead. This change was organized by administration in order to facilitate the adoption of responsibilities of the new director, especially IB certification.

“We start creating the master schedule in February and March of the year prior,” said Head of Upper School Mrs. Consuegra. “To build a program, plus a fall play, plus the musical at the beginning of the year sounds like a lot for a brand-new teacher. This shift forward…[allowed] her more time to get acclimated to the institution, to complete the necessary training, and to get to know the girls.”

This choice initially received a mixed reaction by students, especially by actors who had sports or other extracurriculars during these months. 

“At first, I was kind of upset because I thought I wasn’t going to be able to be in it at all,” said Victoria Rodriguez ‘26, “because volleyball season runs from the end of July all the way to mid-October, but Ms. Lewis has been really understanding of those who still want to participate but have to do different things.”

There are also fewer practices per week (only Monday and Wednesday as opposed to Monday through Thursday), though they run until 6:30 p.m. instead of 5:45 p.m.

“It’s all about intentionality— with your time, about setting goals,” said Ms. Lewis. “When you really laser in and focus on those goals, you accomplish them. When everyone’s time is utilized correctly and effectively, it makes the production that much stronger.”

Ms. Lewis also introduced the presence of understudies for the first time in Carrollton history. According to Ms. Lewis, if they take their roles seriously, there may be an “understudy night” on one of the show dates. The decision will come out in November before Thanksgiving break.

“I think that the understudy idea is a great way to incorporate other members of the cast and allow them to shine,” said Arianna Frances ‘28, understudy of Paulette. “Still, I feel like it should only be used if an actor is not able to do the show for a certain night. The seniors should be able to do so [shine] for all three shows!”

Another change is that actors and crew were required to sign a two-page contract at the beginning of the season, promising attendance, focus, enthusiasm, and even that they would not go to rehearsal barefoot. They are also to keep a show journal where they can write down notes and ideas for their performances, and a Google Classroom was created to organize choreography videos and other assignments.

“Something I wanted to have as a student was that real-life application,” explained Ms. Lewis. “So when it comes to [changes like the] contracts, that is all something that, as a professional actor, I experience. I think that’s a super important part of nurturing young professional women. There won’t be any surprises because you would already have been taught how the professional application goes.”

“I’m still getting to know her as a member of our community, but I’m excited to learn more from her!” said Lyla Rufeh ‘26.

Mrs. Lewis looks forward to a productive and exciting theatre season, and to continue bonding with the Carrollton community and her actors.

“I hope that actors can take away the joy of making theatre, and that they can build a stronger sisterhood and community,” said Ms. Lewis. “I hope they take a little bit of Elle Woods with them too: [the belief] that anything is possible; no matter what you look like, where you come from, or how you talk or dress. That if you continue to be exactly who you are, you will make a change.”