The West High Theatre Department is putting on Sleepy Hollow. It has four characters who share the responsibility of carrying the story of Sleepy Hollow forward. Ichabod Crane, the stern pedagogue; Katrina van Tassel, the dream girl; Crayon, the storyteller; and Brom Bones, the maker of mischief. In this final week leading up to the big production, one actor will share their story each day, with a special guest for the final drop.
Part one and two of our “The Mighty People Behind the Fall Play” series feature Ichabod Crane, the main character played by Kyle Squire, and Katrina van Tassel, the dream girl played by Delilah Schultz.
Our third feature is Claire Vandersee, a senior at West High School. She has been an active participant in West High Theatre for all four years of her High School Career. She is playing the role of Crayon.
Q: What is your favorite part of this play?
A: My favorite part of the play is the mix of horror and comedy. The writing in the show is insanely funny, but the entire story is that of a ghost, which makes it scary as well. I also like that it fits the season of Fall because that is when the story canonically takes place (I think…).
Q: What is your favorite part about your character?
A: My favorite part of my character is that I am always lingering. Due to my quick entrances and exits, in some of the scenes I simply linger (either onstage and in the wings). Along with this, I find my character very humorous in the way that she tells the story.
Q: How’d you feel when you found out you got the role?
A: I was very happy with my role because I had never played a narrator before, so I was excited to not only challenge myself, but also experience a new type of character.
Q: What are your opinions on the directors?
A: I love the directors. Dawson is witty and brilliant when it comes to blocking, which is not novel news to anyone. It is Regan Hirdler’s first time directing in the Fall play, and I am very glad she is one of our directors. She is extremely talented when it comes to blocking and delivery, and brings a new perspective to our rehearsals!
Q: How do you memorize your lines?
A: I usually have somebody else read through scenes with me and stop me if I get stuck or mess up. But if nobody else is available, I cover up my lines with a piece of paper and read my scene partner’s lines in my head, and then read my lines out loud. After I say my line, I take off the piece of paper and see how accurate I was.
Q: Do you have any goals going forward?
A: My main goal going forward is to finish memorizing my lines!
Q: Why should people come see the show?
A: People should come see the show because in my time at West High, we’ve never done a show like this. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is not only a classic but hilarious, terrifying, and all around brilliant.
Q: Why should people come audition for West Theatre?
A: People should audition for West Theater because it is incredibly fun. You meet so many new people just through participating in one event, while also learning valuable skills like communication, public speaking, and memorization. It is unlike anything else at West, and it has helped me, along with countless others, find a place at West High.
And with that, it’s a wrap on today’s behind-the-scenes of Sleepy Hollow. There are two days left until opening night. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students. Shows are 11/06 at 7 pm, 11/07 at 7 pm, 11/08 at 2 pm. Come out and support your fellow Wahawks!
