Any student who has taken part in any art or theatre class in the past four years knows that it has been difficult to secure a long-term teacher. With the arrival of Mr. Chase Owen, the search may finally be over.
Owen is serving as Central Heights’ art and theatre teacher/director, and he plans on starting his first year here with a bang. He has already selected a fall play, and production is currently underway for the rock ‘n’ roll comedy titled “Airness.”
“I have always wanted to direct ‘Airness.’ It’s a hilarious comedy with a lot of heart,” Owen said. “I figured producing something fun would be a great fall play for our group. We are going to have a blast!”
The play follows Nina, a feisty web developer who enters her very first air guitar competition with only one thing on her mind–revenge, and thinks winning will be a piece of cake. She eventually makes friends with her fellow competitors and realizes that winning these competitions will take far more effort than she anticipated, not to mention a much different approach.
“The students working on this show are so incredible on stage and off stage,” Owen said. “[Airness] is so funny and relatable. It’s the kind of show that will leave you with a smile and a dance in your step!”
Performances for “Airness” will be Nov. 14-16. Seats are limited, so make sure to grab your tickets quickly when they go on sale. They will be priced $10 for general admission and $5 for students.
“Be ready to laugh and have a blast from the past with the music and references,” Owen said. “We will make good memories and have great experiences!”
Though he is new to Central Heights, Owen is no stranger to directing and producing plays. Over the years, he has developed a specific directing style that brings him success in his theatrical endeavors.
“My style is rooted in communicating the major theme of the play to the audience,” Owen said. “After I have completed my research of the play, every decision I make is a result of the commanding theme of the story. The way actors move, the design of the set, the colors of the costumes, all of it is informed by the theme.”
A directing style isn’t the only thing he has prepared. Owen already has a plan for the future of the middle and high school theatre departments.
“We have a lot of things cooking up for the future,” Owen said. “Both the high school and middle school will compete in theatre contests this year. We are hoping to present at least two plays for each campus this school year.”
For anyone unsure about joining theatre and participating in the production of plays, Owen had this to say:
“High school is the perfect time to try everything and see what sticks. It’s important to find your tribe in high school. Participating in school activities will give you a strong drive to pass your classes and a purpose for walking through the door every day. If you are unsure, theatre has a place for just about anybody! Join and we will help you find where you fit!”
The future looks bright for the theatre program this year, and there are many good things yet to come. A word of advice from Owen: “Get ready to ROCK AND ROLL!”