As a part of Fine Arts week, students will be performing in the One Act play Humpty Dumpty is Missing!. With an incredible cast and crew, a stand out member is student director, Audra Dyer (they/them). Dyer is a senior at Oregon High School and has been a part of the theater community all four years, starting as a part of the Mission Band as a freshman in Guys and Dolls. Then, during their junior year, Dyer decided to try out directing, even though they had never done it before. After asking the play’s Director and OHS English teacher, Michael Ducett, Dyer was given the opportunity to be the assistant director for last year’s one-act play, as well as the play this past winter. 

After the dark theme of last year's one-act play, Dyer decided to go in a different direction for this year’s play, saying in our interview that

“This play is super fun and light-hearted. I think it sort of represents the transition out of the pandemic years into a time where we all can be together and have fun!”

When it came to the decision of casting, student biases and opinions had the potential to influence their choices, but Dyer made sure to not let any personal feelings get in the way.

“After two days of auditions, Quinn Look [the assistant director] and I sat down and talked through our thoughts. It actually took quite a bit of time and it was really challenging. You would think for a one-act, it would be a little bit easier, but it really wasn't! It was easy to not involve any personal feelings because we both knew that we had to take it seriously. The casting of a show affects the entire production, and it has to be just right for any show, even if it's a one act about Humpty Dumpty.”

As the rehearsals for the one act play have commenced, Dyer has grown as a director, especially with the help of Ducett. Dyer says that Ducett has been the biggest aid in the directing process, and has taught them almost everything that they know. Dyer says:

“It has been so amazing learning all about the process of putting on a show. Mr. Ducett makes it look easy, and he has shared tips with me that I will definitely use in the future.”

In the future, Dyer plans on attending the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire intending to double major in English Education and Theater Arts in the hope to become a high school English and Theater teacher, much like Ducett. Dyer additionally hopes to lead a high school theater department, and is excited to begin this journey next year in college. Dyer will be forever grateful to Ducett for the opportunity to pursue their dreams. They are also proud of themselves for asking for the opportunity as they wouldn't have gotten it otherwise. As Dyer said,

“All it really takes is five seconds of courage to ask to do something. Most of the time, the answer will be yes.”

Humpty Dumpty is Missing! will be performed in the Oregon High School PAC on Friday, April 14th at 7:30 pm and Saturday, April 15th at 2 pm & 7:30 pm. It is general admission and free to the public, so come down and support the Oregon High School theater department!

By Katherine Stoneman -  4/6/2023