Written by: Claire Bisch
After last year's big hit of Limelight X, KCI Drama comes back to present us with their 11th annual student-run production happening on November 13th and 14th in the KCI auditorium.
This decade-run variety show brings four talented casts together: dance, drama, music, and band, where they compete to raise the most money for the Grand River Hospital as well as to fund the KCI Drama department. The cast to raise the least money at the end of the run will have to eat a whole lime onstage. Rind and all!
With preparation for Limelight on the go now, The Edge went to find out more about this upcoming show.
Mr. Graham, KCI drama teacher and executive producer of Limelight, shed some light on the long running production, sharing how it has grown from its humble origins as a one-night engagement in 2015.
“In late 2015, a group of incredible senior KCI Drama students pitched the idea for what became Limelight after I had told them about a similar show I had started when I was in grade twelve at my old high school,” he told The Edge. “That relatively small group threw together a one-night only show in just a few weeks that hit the stage in early May 2015. The next year, it moved to its November timeslot and we haven't looked back since.”
And what a long run Limelight has had, giving many students opportunities throughout their high school years to develop their theatrical abilities both on and off stage. First time member of Limelight and grade ten student, Hannah Hutchison, shared her positive experience so far being in the music cast. She highlighted the amazing, supportive directors and wonderful castmates: “It's been very fun to rehearse and talk to all of them,” she told The Edge. But, all of that rehearsing comes with a challenge, especially for a first time member. “There are sometimes stressful and tiring moments because it’s my first time being in Limelight and there’s a lot of hard work involved, but I know the work will pay off and make a great show,” Hannah commented.
And it is true, a lot of work and responsibility is given to KCI students involved in Limelight every year, being a completely student-run and operated production. Attendees can see the amazing talent both on stage as well as behind-the-scenes with producers, stage managers, directors, writers, tech crew, and more. This year, Zane McKinnon and Neeva Mariapen were selected as the overall producers of the show.
Zane, a grade twelve student, is returning for his second year producing after holding the position last year for Limelight X. He expressed his pleasure at being able to produce for the show again this year: “I had such a great time last year and it's even more fun now,” he said. “There’s so many new people and new ideas for songs, dances, and sketches that I’m loving so much.”
He also shared the experience and insight he learned from producing last year, and particularly “the importance of communication and following a tight schedule.” Since the timespan between auditions in early September and the show mid-November is less than three months, Zane mentioned how it's a “challenge to get everything ready on a short timeline.”
Grade eleven student Neeva Mariapen also joins Zane as a producer. After being part of the Limelight cast in previous years, she steps into an all new role to help run the show: “Producing this year has given me a completely new appreciation for what goes into a production,” she commented. “As a producer, I’ve had to make creative choices, guide others, and manage many moving parts at once. It’s a big shift from performing, but it’s helped me grow as both a leader and a person.”
Like Zane, Neeva has also faced some challenges producing, especially “staying persistent when things don’t go as planned.” She remarked, “There have been moments of difficulty, but pushing through and finding solutions has made the process stronger and more rewarding.”
Despite the stress of managing such a complex show like Limelight with many moving pieces, both directors have shared their enthusiasm and excitement for the upcoming performance: “My favourite part of working on Limelight is all the fun moments with the friends I’ve made,” Zane shared. “I love the creativity that I’m able to express with the production team or with members of the cast and crew. It's such a welcoming space and I love working with everyone on it.” Neeva added, “It’s amazing to see everyone’s hard work coming together. There are definitely some nerves, too, but mostly I’m proud of what we’ve created and eager to share it.” She finished by saying she “can’t wait for the audience to experience it.”
The role of producing is definitely a very big role to take on. Mr Graham shared his process for choosing leaders for Limelight and how he takes selections ”very seriously and works very closely with them throughout the process.” He looks beyond just strong leadership and talent, but at their drive and motivation towards why they want to take on a bigger role in the production.
“Our production teams always have one thing in common and it is a love of the arts and the drive to selflessly put on the best possible show and help provide an amazing opportunity to everyone involved,” he expressed.
Mr. Graham finished by outlining what we can expect to see from this year's show: “This year's production has some of the most exciting variety in terms of music genres and styles from our dance and music casts and humour and comedy styling from drama of any production yet! It's a very dynamic show!"
With all of that said, Limelight is set to be a lively performance Raiders will not want to miss. Tickets are on pre-sale right now for $10. Don’t forget to secure your own today!