"Aida" Comes to Life over 'EM' Break

While most students were relaxing, traveling, or catching up on homework during the recent EM break, the company of this year’s fall musical “Aida”, was hard at work. The actors rehearsed for six to seven hours a day while the technicians worked for almost twelve hours a day. “EM break was hectic and exhausting,” says MHS sophomore and technician Kelli Forster. “It was hours upon hours of work every day. I was at school for around ten hours a day. We did get a lot done over the break, though.” While the technicians were busy building and painting backstage, the actors were hard at work singing, dancing, and blocking scenes onstage.

“I feel like we got a lot done,” says MHS freshman and cast member Ethan Crompton. “I feel like we fixed things that during the show that needed fixing and getting to run and block new scenes was fun and exciting.”

“It’s amazing to see what we can create in such a short amount of time,” adds MHS sophomore and cast member Anni Yoney.

“I learned that EM break is where most of the work--both with the set or other tech elements, and the show itself--comes together,” says MHS junior and cast member Kaden Moszer. “This year, I decided to put all nerves aside and just have fun. Because that’s what this entire process is about, having fun, and I’ve never felt more personally accomplished after EM about my performance.”

For senior Sophie Rootham, EM break was an emotional experience. “It was very bittersweet realizing that this was my last EM break at Moorhead High theatre,” says Rootham. “But I will always remember the amazing times I’ve had. EM is always the time where we get most done out of the whole process so it’s very important.”

Along with these long hours came many fun experiences and memories for the whole company. The cast and crew participated in fun activities every night including a Nerf war, movie night, and swimming. “I loved the Nerf war,” says Yoney. “It is so fun to goof around with the cast and crew and just be ourselves without having to worry about remembering all the dance moves.”

These traditions carry through the years, and as they carry on, they become stronger and more emotional for the cast. “There are so many bonding activities, it’s hard to pick a favorite,” says Moszer. “Although, if I were to choose, it would be when everyone is sitting down and talking, having a good time, and out of nowhere a song from a past show comes on and everyone runs on stage and, to the best of our memory, performs that number with the singing and dancing. You’re always amazed with yourself that you remember the harmony that you sing, even though it’s been a year since you performed the song.”

If you go: Moorhead High Theatre’s production of “Aida” runs Nov. 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, and 25 at 7:00 pm and Nov. 12 and 19 at 2:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here or by calling 218-284-2255.