The Wizard of Oz

A month ago, our HUM124 - Theater class produced a full theatrical play, The Wizard of Oz, which was based on L. Frank Baum's book and the 1939 MGM film. Our whole class contributed to this almost three-month long production and it was fantastic!

We managed to have six runs of our production, one in a local town plaza, four runs in our school auditorium for two days, and one in a mall. And yes, it was really, really tiring but it was fun because we saw the faces our audience having fun watching our show.

We had two months to prepare for this show. Since day one of our theater class, we already voted for the play we were going to showcase. There were a lot to choose from, but The Wizard of Oz got the most votes because it was a great fairytale to portray. Then a few weeks passed and we selected our departments and auditioned for roles. I mentioned in my other blog that I was supposed to audition for the role of Dorothy, but then at the last minute I changed my mind because Dorothy has a lot of singing acts and I cannot sing! I auditioned for the Wicked Witch's role instead and got the part.

Then as the weeks gone by, we had our line readings, and practices which lasted until eight pm in the evening. Super hassle. It meant so many sacrifices, like sleep, study time, and quality time. I missed so many galas with my friends, and some birthdays, and even sacrificed a monthsary celebration just for the practices. There even had a time that I got sick and my throat screeched because of sore throat and fever. I had to take a week of and it happened when the show's about to come.

But I think everything was worth the sacrifice. Everything paid off after our very first show in the mamatid covered court. After that first show, we got so overwhelmed and did our best in our next performances. Originally, our show in the mall was supposed to last for only twenty minutes, but when the college faculty and deans watched our play, they decided to make us do a full show. It was really a great experience!

I was amazed that people liked my portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West. I wasn't an expert in doing antagonist roles before because most of the time, productions chooses me to be the protagonist. I never thought that I'll be accepted at first because the ones auditioned after me were better. I even had a second option role in the production, if ever I wasn't cast. Good thing I did, and then a huge wave of anxiety hit me because I'm not like the character I'm going to portray at all. Also another thing was, I might get laughed at by my friends who were going to watch because I might not act well. But as the practices went on, I got to manage my fears and my practices went well. I also had another dilemma with my role because in the script, the witch talked a lot. She had so many monologues and a solo scene. The fear went back to me as I was practicing solo because I know I'm bad at memorizing lines and making adlibs. It was a relief that I got to memorize them all and my co-actors helped me if I forgot some lines.

The main cast of the play were Pearl and Patch for the role of Dorothy, Ned as the Scarecrow, Ryan as the Tinman, Ej as the Cowardly Lion, and Brandon as the Wizard. Other casts were Kristine as the Good Witch of The North, Bryan as the Munchkin Mayor, Anya as the Barrister, CJ as the Emerald City Guard, Aeron as Uncle Henry, Abby as Auntie Em, and Ver as the Farmer. There's also the bulk casts: Joey and Ram as the evil monkeys; Clinton, Mabeth, Ira, and Marion as the Winkies; Bea C., Bea H., Cza, Sarah, Miya, Yen, Kaye, Joanna, Catcha, Jaymie, Ellen, and Cedric as the Munchkins.




Overall, my theater experience is one of the best, memorable as ever. One of the highlights in my college life. I could use it when I get to the performing industry someday, or in my future video-roleplaying productions, and also in public speaking. It made a lot of development in my self-confidence and acting skills, as well as having to bond with my MMA classmates. Theater class means a lot to me now and I’m forever thankful for this wonderful opportunity.

And if you want to watch the play, here is a video of our third run :)

Link to video

I hope you enjoy watching! :D


Photo credits to the Documentation Team of HUM124