Last Production for HHS Play Director?

The Shakespearean Society has been a part of Homer High School for almost sixty years. So far it has had three directors: the famous Mr. Whiting who founded the society in 1958, Mr. Allen, and Louise Felker. Felker took over after Allen in 1988, and she has been directing ever since.

But all that changed in the summer of 2017. Most members of the Society received a letter over the summer from Principal VanEtten saying that Felker would be directing the fall show as planned, but a Mr. Kim Hubbard would be directing the spring show.

“I felt pretty sad. It was really surprising. I’d just joined the society and I looked forward to working with Weas,” said Ethan Jensen, a sophomore, and member of three months.

Once school began, Mr. VanEtten explained the change in leadership to the cast of Hamlet. Felker is not an employee of the school, and must be rehired every year. Usually only Felker applies for the position of director for the Society. This year, Mr. Hubbard did too.

“I guess it’s the best way they could have done it, but it’s a frustrating way. I just wish it hadn’t happened at all,” said freshman Sierra Linton, a member of three months.

“I encourage the Society to give him a chance, but as an alum I question this decision itself. As an organization that receives practically no support from the school, it’s counter-intuitive that the administration should be able to make such sweeping changes to our group without any input on our part. This decision makes it feel like the administration doesn’t respect our club, our members, or our history. We’re fine with receiving no support from the school, but that makes us expect a level of autonomy,” said Drew Gustafson, an alumni and member of the Society for five years.

There are a lot of mixed feelings among members of the Society, and it’s only the beginning of the year. The spring show is a long way off, but it’s apparent that the situation has put the cast of Hamlet on edge. They are anxious to meet Mr. Hubbard and see who will be directing both shows next year.