With the 2023-24 school year having started, the directors of the annual S!NG production have begun recruiting their peers to join this year’s production. The directors of both the Freshior and Semore teams spoke to The Classic about their preparations and hopes for S!NG 2024.
Over the summer, the S!NG directors met frequently to discuss ideas and prepare for the production. Despite facing a few scheduling issues, both teams were able to begin drafting scripts, choreographing dances, creating harmonies, and designing backdrops. While reflecting on this experience, Freshiors Art Director junior Ella Quan said, “Whether it was one of us sleeping or some of us eating ice cream, we still managed to set a time to sit down and chat for an hour or so. We always come down to a vote between two choices and it’s always so entertaining to see what the tiebreaker would choose.”
The directors of this year’s performance elaborated on specific regulations that both teams need to follow in addition to planning out their shows. For instance, each team will have equal access to the prop closet, which is where THHS stores all of its materials, such as flats and paints to be used for productions such as S!NG. Art Director and Classic Arts & Entertainment Editor junior Shamonti Shamim said, “These rules make it easier for the teams to communicate with each other about the distribution of materials, making the show go smoother and avoiding any misunderstandings.”
While speaking to The Classic, the Overall Directors from each team expressed their own, individual responsibilities. Semores Overall Director senior Mikolas Taveras said, “I have the responsibility of managing resources, time, and organization, as well as creating the script and story of our production and setting the theme for next year.” Similarly, Freshiors Overall Director junior Katie Chan said, “As an overall [director], I oversee all of the other departments.”
When asked about improvements that the team could make this year, directors voiced their desire to build a strong and collaborative community among their team. Ella said, “Thinking back to two years ago, the Art Department never had a close community like the other departments. We stayed long hours just like [them], but [we] never got the chance to get to know each other.” Adding to this, Freshior Band Director Ian You junior said, “Band meetings are known for being chaotic, [but also] productive and welcoming. By the end of this season, I hope that our freshmen will consider band as a second family and start developing friendships that will last beyond high school.”
Directors across multiple departments have high hopes and desires for this year’s production. Freshiors Costume & Makeup Director junior Cindy Zou said, “The biggest goal I have for the department is to put together looks that will captivate the audience. I hope to encourage creativity and experiment with unique styles, as well as create a sense of community throughout this process.” Adding to this, Semores Costume & Makeup Director senior Vivian Chen said, “I would love to put on another good show and a personal goal would be experimenting with different materials for costumes.”
Meanwhile, Freshior Dance Director and Classic Sports Copy Editor junior Eva Hannon expressed her desire of helping the freshmen of THHS adapt to their new school community. She said, “This year I hope that the new freshmen who decide to join S!NG will hopefully look forward to our practices and find a great community. S!NG can be a lot of work, but it has also created some of my most amazing memories at THHS, and I wish the same for this year’s [production].”
Semores Dance Director senior Maya Koniarz expressed how this performance is about more than just winning saying, “Honestly, my hopes for this year’s S!NG production do not revolve around winning. It is far more fulfilling to see the impact our dances have on the show as a whole and the people who watch it. Semores Instrumental Director senior Abbiegale Daljeet agreed and said, “Regardless of the outcome, all that matters is the fun we have during the process.”
The directors of S!NG from both teams share the desire to create their best work this year, in the hopes that it can create a lasting impact for the audience. “We aim to end our last year partaking in the production with a bang and hopefully, secure the win,” said Abbiegale.
