The Sequoit Theatre put on a student-directed production called “I Heard You Were Dead” by Don Zolidis. Antioch Community High School senior Connor Lotz directed the play with his classmates as the cast. ACHS has done student-directed plays in the past; Lotz was the first student to take the initiative in recent years.
The play is about a love triangle between high schoolers Constantine, Chloe and Piper. During Constantines’ sophomore year, he survived lymphocytic leukemia and is now returning to school. He enlists his best friend, Piper, to formulate a plan to win the girl of his dreams, Chloe. Piper helps Constantine even though she has had a long-simmering crush on him. Senior Mason Lobodizinski plays Piper.
“I think the experience differed from being directed by Ms. Teddy [theater teacher] because Connor understood how shows normally go from a cast perspective,” Lobodizinski said. “Having been an actor at Antioch Community High School gave him a different style of directing.”
A lot goes into production, more than most realize. Lotz took on this challenge ready to work and feels the overall performance went well. Although there were a few missed lines, Lotz expected a few mistakes here and there, and this performance was a learning experience for everyone involved.
“I learned organization and communication are very important,” Lotz said. There was a lot to remember, and I had a whole spreadsheet of everyone in the cast and all the set pieces. It was especially hard in the beginning to get that kind of organization.”
“I Heard You Were Dead” was a class production, with every member of the cast and crew in the theater class. Additionally, Jon Salaban’s classes contributed to the set construction. Lotz is extremely proud of how the set came together. There were many difficulties along the way, but the results were great. Lobodizinski is most proud of her performance, and critics say her acting made people feel real emotions.
“My favorite part of the show was having a very layered character as I got to experience love, happiness, sadness and anger all in one show,” Lobodizinski said. “I also enjoyed the friendships with the other leading characters. Had I not been cast as a lead, I might not have gained as strong of a bond with [castmates] John and Cecelia.
Friendships were made, tears were shed and love was reflected throughout the performance. Theater is one of Lotz’s favorite hobbies, and he would gladly rise to the challenge and direct again if the opportunity presented itself.
