Plant High School’s Theatre Company experienced a ‘Scotland Summer’ full of adventure, opportunity, and memories. Oh yes, and some acting too!
Plant Theatre Company, PTC, was honored to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the largest theater festival in the world. The Fringe Festival is a three-week festival of performing arts that takes place every August in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Fringe’s story began in 1947 and continues inspiring people from all over with the shared love of the arts to this day.
Plant Theatre Company auditioned to bring a show across the sea and perform for international theatre-loving audiences. As Plant’s spring musical, “The Addams Family,” came to a close, the auditorium was still filled with excitement. Rehearsals for “Witches? In Salem!?” was beginning! PTC students performing in Scotland spent the first two weeks of summer memorizing lines, blocking scenes, and picking out costumes.
“Being accepted to perform at The Fringe Festival was such an honor and a privilege for us,” gushed Ms. Jaime Giangrande-Holcom, the Plant Theatre director. “Performing at The Fringe is such a ‘high in the sky’ dream for so many people. The fact that we got to put on a show as a high school troupe is an amazing accomplishment.”
Theater President, Eve Anton, shares what she has gained besides a role for her resume from this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as a rising senior. “It is amazing how a group of people can work so hard to form an ensemble that works together in such harmony that they can travel across an ocean and still produce the same magic of live theatre.”
Scotland gave Plant students a historic performance space along with sightseeing, cultural experiences, and adventure. Over the two weeks, PTC traveled throughout the vast countryside and along the wild shores of the North Sea. Plant Theatre Company and a great number of theatre troupes from all over lived in the University of Edinburgh dorms. Being all together and sharing quality conversations made for an authentic camp experience.
Arthur’s Seat, a significant hiking hill in Scotland, was located just outside campus. The steep 3-mile hike was a popular early morning activity for PTC kids, looking to start their day in an active way! The trip consisted of exploring all the must-see souvenirs on the Royal Mile, watching renowned performances at The Fringe, and attending the annual Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo! Students clapped along with the performances by British Armed Forces, international military bands, and artistic performance teams on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle in the capital of Scotland.
Even after enjoying all the Scottish sights and action-packed itinerary, the most memorable experience for all students was being surrounded by fellow theatre kids.
“My favorite part of our trip to Scotland was seeing shows brought from all over the world, from both high schools and professional companies.” Eve Anton shares. “It’s a beautiful thing to see how theatre is one of the many arts that transcends borders and is shared across many cultures.”
Plant Theatre Company had the opportunity to perform the UK Premiere of the dark comedy, ‘Witches? In Salem!?’ by playwright Matt Cox, with four sold-out audiences.
When asked about the experience as both an actor and a director, Giangrande-Holcom reflects. “Between putting on a show that has never been seen before in the UK, the students, and four amazing performances – it was magic in a bottle.”