J Sterling Morton West High School - Talon Yearbook (Berwyn, IL)

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Steve Spencer must be alert at all times to make sure that he is on cue. Lighting effects, one of the most important elements in the production of a play, are provided by equipment which is operated from backstage and from a balcony overhead. .. ve! In a scene from FUNNY GIRL, Fanny and Eddie Ryan, her agent, return to Mrs. Brice's saloon to discuss Fanny's future theatrical plans. Soon the trio are joined by their neighbors, Mrs. 0'Malley, Mrs. Strakosh, and Mrs. Meeker, who want their opinions to be heard. After completing a FUNNY GIRL dance routine, a couple relaxes while watching the continuing action in front of them. Although the dancers do not receive star billing, their choreography is essential in plays and their practice hours long and hard. i 1

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l Q Sie ni, p y K V we-45' . sz: l '7' TOP ROW: L. Lanier, J- WySZYflSki, D- Kflflfl, R- Vefbik, J- CUP- Chmielowiec, I. Desmond, Miss M. Lichterman, G. Hering, J. Karkos, pellelti, L. Gardner, B. Birsa, M. Trailov. BOTTOM ROW: A. M,MgIy, TOP ROW: D. Harrison., P. Schrzrzrit. SECOND ROW: K. Halik, G. Hering, W. Czyzynski. BOTTOM ROW: I. Taus. THESPIANS . .. Entrance to the Thespians is based upon the number of points a potential candidate gains by participa- tion and interest in dramatic activities. As an honor society for high school actors and actresses, the Thespians were very active this year. Among the mandatory events were the reg- ional conference at Glenbard East and the student-directed production during the summer. Other activities included a field trip to view Golden Boy, a car wash, a bake sale, and a February flower sale. Miss M. Lichterman contributed her time and effort to aid the members in their endeavors. DEBATE AND NFL Working in groups of four, the debate team analyzed and contrasted one select topic for the entire year. Beginning at district and progressing to the state level, these groups competed together as a team at various tournaments. The teams were judged on a number of different factors such as knowledge of the subject, amount of evidence, and originality of presentation. The novice team received a trophy this year. The members of the' National Forensic League were judged individually. In competition, the students entered various categories including original ora- tion, poetry, serious reading, and comedy. Both organizations worked on a point system, the members were awarded pins and jackets for their efforts.

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DRAMA Before a successful production by the Drama Department could be presented, many behind-the-scene pre- parations had to be made. Make-up artistry was masteredg scenery as well as costume design and construction was com- pletedg technical assistance and creation of special effects were perfectedg and publicity was distributed. Tryouts held by the department for the entire student body enabled those interested to exhibit their acting ability and perhaps to secure a role in a production. Students who auditioned for and received a part in one or more of this yearls plays which included Arsenic and Old Lace, Under the Gaslight, and the district-wide musical, Funny Girl, became experienced in the many phases of the theatrical field. In a scene from the district wide musical FUNNY GIRL, Fanny Brice brings her admirer, Nick Arnstein, to her home neighborhood on Henry Street for the celebration of her first acting role. The part of drama which the audience views reveals only a frac- tion of the work involved. A play begins in the classroom in which the students learn and practice the fundamentals of speaking and acting diversified roles before large audiences. Mary Trailov and Cyndy Klernchuk hang up their dancing outfits after a long night of rehearsal. Most of the elaborate costumes used in FUNNY GIRL were sewn by the wardrobe crew although a few professional costumes were rented for the run of the play.