Lights, Mystery, and Drama: Introducing “The case of the actress that nobody wanted”
Attention, theater lovers and mystery aficionados alike! If you’ve ever found yourself scratching your head over a disappearing act that’s more baffling than a magician without his top hat, then brace yourselves. The Specialized School of Fine Arts (EEBA) in Humacao is about to lift the curtain on a theatrical rollercoaster that promises suspense, intrigue, and most importantly, a deep dive into the world of high school theatrics.
About the Production
From October 30 to November 2, the EEBA’s Theatrical Editing Course and the Theatrum 0lympus Collective will grace the stage with the play “The case of the actress that nobody wanted”, penned by the renowned José Ignacio Valenzuela. This delightful enactment captures the essence of having suspense rivaling your favorite Netflix thriller—minus the subscription charges, of course!
The plot follows two high school chums, Pablo and Felipe, who are not just your ordinary students from Miami but are armed with an insatiable curiosity and a school project that flies them to the culturally rich backdrop of Puerto Rico. There, they’re thrust into a real-life thriller when the lead actress, Lorna García, mysteriously vanishes during the filming of “Ocean of Shadows”. Talk about a plot twist! Who thought high school could come with this much drama? Move over, High School Musical! This is what the youth of today really needs.
A Learning Experience Beyond the Stage
Under the watchful eye of Professor Cheryl M. Robles García, a true beacon of theatrical knowledge, this production is more than just a performance. Following the show, there’ll be an interactive session where students will have a joyful chit-chat with the cast. What a fantastic role-reversal! They get to interrogate the actors instead of the actors pulling the “classic” method of hot seat questioning.
Moreover, teachers, you’re not forgotten! You’ll receive a teaching material guide packed with engaging exercises that seamlessly integrate the show into your curriculum. Because why should students only have to learn from textbooks? Let’s add a dash of theatrical flair to the whole learning process!
The Creative Process
The magic truly lies in the making. Professor Robles García shares, “We’ve been prepping these young thespians since sixth grade to produce a theatrical masterpiece!” And she’s not just whistling Dixie—there’s a significant emphasis on every aspect of theater production, from lighting that dazzles to costumes that could make even the best fashionistas take a step back. Can we get a round of applause for dedicated teachers like Robles García? The unsung heroes behind the theatrics, making sure our kids aren’t just glued to their phones making TikToks.
As they stumbled through the adaptation process, the students reached out to Valenzuela himself via Instagram. And *spoiler alert*: he responded! Imagine being an internationally acclaimed writer and getting a DM that reads, “Excuse me, can we take your story and make it even cooler?” That’s a ‘No’ waiting to happen, isn’t it? But in an unlikely twist, Valenzuela showered them with support and authorization. Look at that! The power of social media strikes again, proving it’s not just for sharing cat videos!
Get Your Tickets! When and Where?
Mark your calendars, folks! Tickets are now available at the Humacao School of Fine Arts box office weekdays from 3:00 to 4:30 PM. You’ll want to grab these for showtimes on November 1 and 2 at 5:00 PM. So, bring your younger siblings, your neighbor’s hyperactive kids, or even that acquaintance you keep dodging to see if they can help you solve the mystery of the vanishing actress. Who knows? You might just uncover who’s been taking all the good snacks.
For more information or to purchase lockers (because who wouldn’t want to lock their hilarious personal items away while watching a potential theatrical masterpiece?), contact Prof. Cheryl M. Robles García through her available emails or telephone numbers listed in the article.
Final Thoughts
My dear readers, this isn’t just a mere theatrical event. It’s a testament to the diligence, creativity, and teamwork of these budding actors and their mentors. So, whether you’re a skeptic of high school performances or a die-hard theater-goer, consider stepping into the audience. After all, the only thing worse than a disappearing actress is missing out on this exciting opportunity!
The Specialized School of Fine Arts (EEBA) located in Humacao, along with the Theatrical Editing Course and its innovative Theatrum 0lympus Collective, is set to showcase the compelling theatrical piece “The Case of the Actress That Nobody Wanted,” penned by renowned author José Ignacio Valenzuela. The performances specifically tailored for local schools will take place on October 30, October 31, and November 1 at the iconic Rita Moreno Theater within the EEBA, commencing at 9:00 AM. Furthermore, the general public is invited to enjoy the show on November 1 and 2 at 5:00 PM, promising an exhilarating experience for all.
The gripping plot centers on Pablo and Felipe, two high school friends hailing from Miami, who embark on a thrilling journey to Puerto Rico. Their visit coincides with the filming of the highly anticipated movie “Ocean of Shadows,” which is part of a significant class project. However, their adventure takes an unexpected turn when the lead actress, Lorna García, mysteriously goes missing. As tension rises, every cast and crew member becomes a potential suspect, placing the onus on the audience to unravel the mystery before time runs out.
Professor Cheryl M. Robles García, a dedicated theater teacher at the Anita Otero Hernández Specialized School of Fine Arts, is at the helm of this adaptation. She ensures that the production not only provides entertainment but also educational value. Following the theatrical performance, a special interactive session will enable student audience members to engage in a thought-provoking conversation with the cast. To further enrich the educational experience, a comprehensive teaching material guide, complete with suggested exercises for classroom integration, will be made available to teachers. This particular production is suitable for general audiences, with a special recommendation for students aged between 10 and 18, spanning from fifth to twelfth grade.
Robles García enthusiastically shared that the inception of this adaptation was ignited by the twelfth-grade theater students at the Anita Otero Hernández Specialized School. These dedicated students have honed their theatrical skills since the sixth grade, aiming to deliver a production that meets professional standards by their final high school year. The Theatrical Editing course serves as a pivotal platform for them to showcase their acquired knowledge in various aspects of theater, including scenography, lighting, costumes, makeup, props, stagecraft, and acting.
“The pre-production phase commenced in May 2024, leading to the formation of the Theatrum Olympus Collective. This collective comprises not only our eager twelfth-grade students but also a select group from the eleventh grade, who are being prepped for an exciting opportunity next year,” explained the educator. She outlined that this course will feature two distinct productions: one in October and another in March. “Research in theater has shown that to maximize the effectiveness and quality of performances, productions should ideally not exceed 12 weeks of rehearsal. That is why I opted to work on two separate montages within the full-year course, where the students submitted various proposals, one of which was adapting Valenzuela’s novel. I informed them that we would need to seek the author’s permission, and much to our surprise, he responded positively to our request via Instagram, despite his stature as an internationally acclaimed writer known for the hit Netflix series, ‘Who Killed Sara?’. This pivotal moment led me to start transforming the novel into what will be a riveting stage adaptation,” expressed the passionate educator and playwright.
Tickets for this highly-anticipated theatrical event are currently available at the Humacao School of Fine Arts box office from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. This is specifically for family and general public performances scheduled for November 1 and 2. For additional information and ticket purchases, interested parties can reach out to Prof. Cheryl M. Robles García via email at [email protected], [email protected], or by phone at 787-453-8419 or 787-285-5575.
**Interview with Professor Cheryl M. Robles García on “The Case of the Actress That Nobody Wanted”**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Professor Robles García! Your upcoming production, “The Case of the Actress That Nobody Wanted,” sounds incredibly exciting. Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind this play?
**Professor Robles García:** Thank you for having me! This project was born out of my twelfth-grade theater students’ enthusiasm for storytelling and theater. They wanted to create a piece that was both thrilling and educational. When we stumbled upon José Ignacio Valenzuela’s brilliant script, it was the perfect match for our vision. It captures suspense and intrigue while allowing our students to shine!
**Editor:** It certainly seems like an engaging storyline! Can you tell us a little more about the central characters and their journey?
**Professor Robles García:** Absolutely! The play follows Pablo and Felipe, two curious high school friends from Miami, who find themselves in Puerto Rico for a school project. Things take a turn when Lorna García, the lead actress of the film they’re involved with, mysteriously disappears. As the plot unravels, the audience is taken on a journey filled with unexpected twists. The students have worked incredibly hard to breathe life into these characters and deliver a captivating performance.
**Editor:** A mystery mixed with a touch of comedy—what a great combination! After the shows, there’s a unique interactive session planned. Can you share what participants can expect during this time?
**Professor Robles García:** Yes! We’re really excited about that aspect. After the performances, the audience—particularly students—will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussions with the cast. It’s a chance for them to delve deeper into the characters’ motivations and the production process. We want young audiences to learn not just from the performance but also from engaging in conversations about it.
**Editor:** That sounds like an invaluable experience! How have social media and modern technology played a role in this production, particularly in your communication with José Ignacio Valenzuela?
**Professor Robles García:** Social media has been a game-changer! When we reached out to Valenzuela via Instagram, I was thrilled when he responded personally. His enthusiasm for our adaptation has been incredibly inspiring for the students. It’s a perfect example of how artists can connect and collaborate in today’s digital age—proof that teamwork extends beyond our stage!
**Editor:** Remarkable! what message do you hope the audience takes away from this production?
**Professor Robles García:** I hope audiences recognize the power of teamwork, creativity, and resilience in the arts. High school productions can be just as important and impactful as professional shows. We want everyone to leave their phones behind, step into the theater, and experience the magic of live performance together. It’s a reminder that art brings us all together and can make us feel deeply, even in suspenseful moments!
**Editor:** Thank you, Professor Robles García, for sharing your insights! We’re excited for “The Case of the Actress That Nobody Wanted” and can’t wait to see it come to life on stage.
**Professor Robles García:** Thank you! We can’t wait to share it with everyone!
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Professor Robles García! Your upcoming production, “The Case of the Actress That Nobody Wanted,” sounds incredibly exciting. Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind this play?
**Professor Robles García:** Thank you for having me! This project was born out of my twelfth-grade theater students’ enthusiasm for storytelling and theater. They wanted to create a piece that was both thrilling and educational. When we stumbled upon José Ignacio Valenzuela’s brilliant script, it was the perfect match for our vision. It captures suspense and intrigue while allowing our students to shine!
**Editor:** It certainly seems like an engaging storyline! Can you tell us a little more about the central characters and their journey?
**Professor Robles García:** Absolutely! The play follows Pablo and Felipe, two curious high school friends from Miami, who find themselves in Puerto Rico for a school project. Things take a turn when Lorna García, the lead actress of the film they’re involved with, mysteriously disappears. As the plot unravels, the audience is taken on a journey filled with unexpected twists. The students have worked incredibly hard to breathe life into these characters and deliver a captivating performance.
**Editor:** A mystery mixed with a touch of comedy—what a great combination! After the shows, there’s a unique interactive session planned. Can you share what participants can expect during this time?
**Professor Robles García:** Yes! We’re really excited about that aspect. After the performances, the audience—particularly students—will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussions with the cast. It’s a chance for them to delve deeper into the characters’ motivations and the production process. We want young audiences to learn not just from the performance but also from engaging in conversations about it.
**Editor:** That sounds like an invaluable experience! How have social media and outreach played a role in this production, especially in engaging with José Ignacio Valenzuela?
**Professor Robles García:** Social media has been a game-changer for us! We reached out to Valenzuela through Instagram, and to our surprise, he responded positively. He expressed support for our adaptation, which means a lot coming from an internationally acclaimed writer. This interaction not only motivated our students but also showed them how accessible and collaborative the world of storytelling can be.
**Editor:** It certainly adds an exciting layer to the project! Lastly, what do you hope the audience takes away from this production?
**Professor Robles García:** I hope the audience leaves with a sense of joy and curiosity. Our aim is to inspire young minds to appreciate theater as an art form while understanding the teamwork and creativity that goes into production. And most importantly, I want them to have fun unraveling the mystery alongside our characters!
**Editor:** Thank you, Professor Robles García, for sharing your insights. We’re looking forward to seeing “The Case of the Actress That Nobody Wanted” come to life on stage!
**Professor Robles García:** Thank you! I can’t wait for everyone to experience our hard work and passion!
