Room 118 was crowded with anxious students awaiting the news of what the 2023 fall musical would be when theater teacher Caleb Francis revealed that the SHS theater department would be putting on a musical production of “Mean Girls” this upcoming November. 

“Mean Girls” was chosen for multiple reasons, one being the fact that Francis and choir teacher Jaclyn Richardson had been told by their students that they wanted to do a show they knew rather than something they knew nothing about until they started the process. Francis also said that because a majority of the theater department are seniors, they are graduating this year. So, by doing a show that lots of people know, they are hoping to peak the interests of students who are wanting to try being in a theater production or even a theater class. 

“I am excited to tackle it. It’s going to be a big show … so I am excited to tackle that,” Francis said. “It’s going to be interesting with this show specifically because we have to think a little bit differently of how we create some of the things we’re creating, so it will definitely be a challenge that I am ready for.”

Auditions are starting earlier than normal so production can get started as soon as students come back from Summer vacation. May 15 will kick off the three day audition series with its dance auditions, followed by the vocal and monologue audition on May 16, and ending with callbacks on May 17. Opening night for the production will be Nov. 17 and will have its final showing on Nov. 19. 

“If you’re interested in auditioning, do it,” Francis said. “Don’t be afraid to come and audition. I know it is scary sometimes to sing in front of somebody … but I promise Richie, Lundsford and myself are not scary people. We’re all really excited about this, so we’re welcoming anyone to come in.”