Dramafest is a student-run theatre event that was brought back for the first time in years just this last spring. “Finding Hope” written/directed by Gwenyth Hobson and “Smile” written/directed by Remi Baukol were the two shows produced during 2024’s Dramafest.
Students gather after school to rehearse every day with direction from students. Crews work together to create set pieces, lighting designs, props, costumes, sound cues, and so much more. Students even learn how to put on events by planning communication between different crews, reserving spaces to work, and creating advertisements. It is a lot of work, but it is also one of the most incredible things done at Bellarmine Preparatory School.
To continue in this beautiful tradition, Dramafest has followed into this year as well with three shows all written and directed by students yet again.
Performed on Tuesday, May 20, Dramafest began with sophomore Isaac Sim’s thrilling murder mystery.
Brilliantly written, Sim’s one act uncovers the killer through an elaborate discovery of jewelry thievery and obvious motive. Or does it? Sim’s play takes many twists and turns with an ending that nobody could have ever seen coming.
Junior Lian Katterhagen took a different route and, in their words, “involves 7 people, all from vastly different walks of life, that all end up in a diner late at night. There, they end up bonding through unexpected circumstances.”
Katterhagen’s show, “Disaster at Night Owl,” has a “Breakfast Club” kind of feel. It brings together individuals who would never step foot in the same room. When forced to, however, they realize they have much more in common than they imagined. Through heartbreak, grief, family strife, and unknown futures, the 7 find connection.
Senior Gwenyth Hobson ended the night with her hilariously relatable one act titled, “Mixed Signals.”
This comedy discusses the ridiculousness of high school romance. It follows a young girl named Olive who cannot for the life of her figure out whether or not her friend David likes her back. With the help of her best friends, Mia and Lydia, she dives deeply into discovering the truth behind David’s words, actions, and text messages. “Mixed Signals” can most easily be described as a rollercoaster of emotion.
Dramafest is a time when Bellarmine students can show their many theatrical talents and gifts to their greater school community. They are able to craft a story from nothing and work together to build something extraordinary.
If you missed Dramafest this year, make sure to mark your calendars for next year! This event is truly like no other, and you won’t want to miss it.
