News Archives: GPRC Drama Students Perform "Step on a Crack"
Friday, March 2nd, 2012
GPRC Students present Step on a Crack GPRC’s Theatre Rising student drama group is proud to present Step On A Crack by Susan Zeder, a play known to delight audiences of all ages. A cast of current and former GPRC students have prepared the production for performances at the GPRC theatres in both Grande Prairie and Fairview. This is the first time that the annual Drama Production will travel to the Fairview campus. “Step on a Crack” revolves around Ellie Murphy, a young girl, who lives happily with her widowed father, Max. Life changes for Ellie when her dad remarries and suddenly she has a stepmother. To cope and escape her problems, Ellie and her imaginary friends launch into a fantasy world. The role of Ellie is played by GPRC student Tahnia Greene. Born in Charlottetown PEI, Greene has been resident in the Grande Prairie area for several years. She is completing a double major in Drama and Psychology and has plans to also complete a diploma in Digital Design at GPRC. “One thing I have enjoyed about the character of Ellie,” says Green, “is that if she’s knocked down at all, she just uses her imagination and keeps going. She is ambitious, colorful and creative, and I’m really excited for everyone to see the world she’s created for herself.” Justin Hollingshead, Kaitlin Wilson, Christian Milanovic, Lisa Hildebrand and Jordy Weins complete the cast in the roles of Ellie’s family and imaginary friends. Hollingshead, who grew up in Sexsmith, is in his second year at GPRC as a B Ed. Drama Major. Wilson is a graduate of the GPRC Diploma Program in Drama, now performing in her 4th Theatre Rising Production " her first was when she was still a student at GPCHS. Milanovic is a first year student at GPRC in Open Studies; he enjoys working in theatre and in design. Hildebrandt, from Spirit River, is a member GPRC's Student Council who took DR1490 this fall by chance and found she loves Drama too! Weins grew up in Grande Prairie and is in his first year at GPRC, majoring in psychology. He has been involved with GPLT as an actor, stage manager, and backstage, and plans to Stage Manage Theatre Rising's show next year. “This cast apply their acting training to show audiences what can be done with 90+ hours of rehearsal, acrobatics training, love for their craft, and dedication,” enthuses instructor and director Annie Smith. “As well, a whole crew of students is working behind the scenes with the College Theatre Production Team to create a spectacle of lights and sound that will dazzle you. Be prepared for high energy, audience interaction and a magical performance.” The production crew includes Stacy Berg, Devon Potter, Tony Penton and Rebecca Anderson. Smith is also enthusiastic about the opportunity for the show to travel to Fairview. “Fairview has a marvellous theatre that is home to a great musical theatre community. We hope that in bringing Step On A Crack to Fairview, we will be supporting the theatre community there and also showcasing the drama productions that we do in Grande Prairie. Maybe we will entice some students from Fairview to consider enrolling in Drama at GPRC.” Susan Bansgrove, GPRC Vice-President Academics and Research is very pleased that the College is able to provide this kind of opportunity for students. “The study of drama is integral to degree programs such as Elementary Education, and a popular option for students completing degrees in the Arts,” Bansgrove explains. “It is a great benefit to be able to provide opportunities for our students to stage productions and perform for local audiences. We are very grateful to the support of the GPRC Alumni Foundation for making this added experience a possibility for our students.” Step on a Crack runs in Grande Prairie at the DJ Cardinal Performing Arts Centre March 8, 9, 10 at 7:30 pm and March 12, 13, 14 at 11:00 am. Fairview performances at the Dr. Fred Speckeen Theatre will be March 16, 7:30 pm, March 17, 1:30 pm. Tickets are available at The Crystal Centre and at the door. -30-