interview with sophie pickle players theater activist
What inspires you to work with the Pickle Players?
I absolutely love theatre. I've loved it since I was in preschool. I want to make sure that it doesn't become this 'geeky' thing to do, and that the kids really learn to enjoy it, especially at a young age. If they get a taste of how fun and inspiring putting together a play can be in fifth grade (like me), they'll go onto the high school performances and who knows what else. Even if they decide acting isn't for them, they'll still have an appreciation for all the work and artistic ability put into theatre by so many people.
How did you get involved with the Pickle Players?
I tried out for a Pickle Players play when I was in fifth grade and had a blast. I was in it until I got to high school and our adult supervisor and the rest of the graduating directors asked me if I would like to be director of the program. Of course, I said yes!
How do the kids get involved?
First off, we cast every child who auditions, so for a lot of parents this is way to get their child involved in something and learn something during the summer. The four high school directors do all the work they can. Our adult supervisor only does paperwork and driving when we need it.
How do you prepare for the annual Pickle Players play?
I start by writing the play during the school year - anywhere from November to April. Then all the directors meet a number of times and review the play. I rewrite, add parts, take away parts, write songs, etc. We then hold auditions for fifth to eighth graders in May and rehearsals start the second week of June for two hours each afternoon. The performances are usually the first or second week of August. All the directors spend a lot of outside time making costumes, props and working on sets, as well.
What is the best part of doing what you do?
My favorite part of working with Pickle Players is being in the auditorium working with the kids on different scenes. You get such a good energy and chemistry when we're all working together. Everyone has different ideas and we combine our energies to make it great. It's so much fun seeing a finished scene.
How does this affect your community at large?
I feel like it shows my community that high school kids really are making a difference. We're not these stereotypical lazy, whiney teenagers. We do good things with our time, we work hard ad we love doing it!
How do you feel about working for free?
The whole summer is purely volunteer work and it adds up to a lot in the end. It's all worth it. Like I said, there's some hard work involved, but it's a blast in the end and it's really rewarding to see all that work amount to something like the performances.
