This fall, EF Academy Pasadena’s theater production will be coming back on a new stage, the Dance and Theater Studio, with its much-anticipated Fall Play.
At EF Academy Pasadena, since 2023, the theater production has been performing a Fall Play in the first semester and a Musical in the second semester each day, successfully putting on four shows so far. Under the guidance of Mrs. Dora Johnson and Mr. Carl Johnson, Theater Club actors and Stage Craft crew work together to build everything from the stage set to lighting and costumes from scratch. The productions are highly popular among students and teachers and are one of the school’s biggest events. This year, the Fall Play will be performed for the first time in the Dance and Theater Studio.
This year’s Fall Play is Don Zolidis’ “The Brother Grimm’s Spectaculathon,” a fast-paced, comedic one-act play that retells all 209 Grimm fairy tales in a single performance. It blends modern humor with themes of family and identity. Mrs.Johnson, the Director of the Theater Production, explained why she chose this play: “the selected play is full of dynamic elements, and I believe the fantastic talent of this group of 12 actors can effectively bring this impressive piece to life.”
As it is the first time to perform in the Dance and Theater Studio, Mrs. Johnson said they chose the space because “it seemed like the best venue for an intimate and creative production.” Designing the stage in a new space is challenging, but with the students’ imagination, the room is transforming before their eyes: “they are Turing the impossible into reality.”
Rachel Park, the Stage Manager, who has been a part of Stage Crew for three years, said about working in the new space: “It has been both challenging and exciting.” While limited space makes setting up lighting and props tricky, she and the Stage Crew members have been collaborating and sharing ideas to find solutions. She added, “I am proud of watching the stage come together piece by piece, just the way we envisioned it at the start.”
During rehearsals, the cast and crew work closely to support each other. Mrs. Johnson commented, “It is truly amazing how committed everyone is to supporting one another,” and Rachel emphasized, “There is a strong sense of responsibility and cooperation across the whole team.” To the audience, Mrs. Johnson said, “We want the audience to fully immerse themselves with the cast and crew throughout the entire 60-minute performance and the pre-show,” and Rachel added, “I hope the audience enjoys the unique atmosphere and energy we’ve created.”
With new challenges, fresh performance spaces and the team’s strong collaboration, this year’s Fall Play promises to be more exciting than ever. The performances will run from Wednesday, November 19, to Friday, November 21. Don’t miss the surprises of the “Show within a Show”!
