It was 3:30 pm on a regular school day. A group of 60 students made their way to the theatre. For the past six weeks, these same students have been meeting after school to create something spectacular.

Among these students is senior Isaac Scobey-Thal. He has been a part of CET since his freshman year, and has done six shows here. CET has become a special place for Scobey-Thal. It is a place where he can truly be himself, and show the world what he is capable of.

Scobey-Thal is also the President of CET. During last years’ strike, when all the props and sets are taken down and put away, Deb O’Neal, a parent volunteer, asked him if he was going to run for president. Up until that point, he had never thought about running for the position. At the time, Deb’s daughter, Briana, was President of the group.

“I realized it’s usually a rising junior,” said Scobey-Thal. “I had a real passion for CET. And, especially after Urinetown, I just knew that I wanted CET to be my home for the rest of my high school experience.” He decided to go out for it and was fortunate enough to be voted in. “To be the lead student representative for such an important organization for myself is an honor,” he said.

As President, Scobey-Thal must oversee important responsibilities, such as ticket sales and merchandise management. His main responsibility is to be a link between the students and Quinn. “I’m also the student that people in the cast and crew of CET can go to if they have issues they need to solve, any concerns on their mind, either about the show or about CET in general,” said Scobey-Thal.

Scobey-Thal also had great role in the CET’s current production, Twelfth Night. “I’m Sir Andrew Aguecheek, who is one of the funny protagonists of the story. He’s the side-kick of the drunk, Toby Belch, and gets into all sorts of funny shenanigans throughout the story. It’s a really fun part to play,” he said.

It was last year, during Urinetown, that changed Scobey-Thal’s view on CET. He was cast as Bobby Strong, a funny yet serious and heroic character in the story. “I got to lead a chorus of my friends and fellow characters in a way which I had never before done,” he said. “The people in that show were just really fantastic. And, I just thought the performances were something magical. It was really amazing.”

Of the people who aren’t involved in CET, or really any theatre group, many don’t know what happens the week leading up to Opening Night. Tech week involves running the show all the way through with the props and interacting with the set until very late. “Tech week is really amazing because it’s really the most formative bonding experience for the cast. You’re here till all hours of the night. You’re performing the show that you’ve worked so hard to put on. And to finally see it all come together is really intense and amazing,” said Scobey-Thal. “Everyone’s tired. Everyone’s excited. It’s quite an amazing thing, honestly.”

Having done four years of shows with CET, Scobey-Thal has a lot of advice for newcomers. “I always tell people that CET has had some of the most influence on my growth, both as a performer and as a person,” said Scobey-Thal. “It gives me an outlet, not only to lead vocally, but to work as a team to work towards a collective goal … and I think that every single person in Community would not only benefit from it, but also absolutely strive while doing it.”

Quinn Strassel

Without structure, Community’s actors might not be as unified as they are. This is where Community High School theatre teacher, Quinn Strassel comes in.

Strassel has been directing shows for the past five years. Some of the previous shows that he has directed here include Little Shop of Horrors, Romeo, and Juliet, As You Like It, Avenue Q, Evita, Urinetown, Bob: A Life In Five Acts and the annual production of Just Desserts. The most current production, Twelfth Night, was showcased last weekend.

As the director, Strassel’s job is to take all the creativity from the people involved and guide it along so that the end product is a cohesive, exciting show. But, he also does something that a lot of directors don’t. “I think my job is to be a cheerleader. To get the students excited about this show and to make them bring a lot of energy on stage,” he said.

When it comes to choosing his best experience as the director, he does not like to choose one over the rest. Each show has its own special place in his heart. “The individual kids who are part of a show bring their own flavor to each one. I was really happy with last years shows,” he said. “I realized at the end of the year that doing two comedies is actually good for my soul and good for the morale of everybody involved. So, we’re bringing back the comedy again this year.”

There was one time last year that made the production stand out from all the rest. Peter Sinn Nachtrieb, the original playwright of Bob: A Life In Five Acts, flew all the way from San Francisco to come see the show. According to Strassel, what hooked Nachtrieb’s attention was the fact that the show, which was initially written for five actors playing characters, was being performed with thirty actors. “It was amazing to have the original creator present while we performed it,” Strassel said.

Strassel instituted Tech Day  his first year here. He did it for two reasons. By getting all hands on deck, more work could be done. He also thought it would be really cool to get the cast and crew to work together. To this day, Tech Day remains a big part of every CET Production. “I like to think that we are an ensemble, and that we support each other onstage and backstage,” he said.

There is a big difference between Tech Day and Tech Week. “Tech Day is where you bake the cake, and Tech Week is where you put on all the frosting.” During Tech Day, the biggest set pieces and props are being built. The costumes are being organized. The foundation is being laid down for an amazing show. Tech Week is when all of the details are put into place. Costumes are looked over to make sure they are perfect. Lighting is put into action. Sets are being painted. The fine, detailed work is saved until the end. It’s this work that really brings the show to life.

After five years of shows with CET, Strassel says he no longer tries to push kids into being a part of the group. Instead, he tries to make everyone feel welcome. Strassel believes that for a great production to happen. According to Strassel it takes a special group of people from different backgrounds to come together as one. “So, if somebody’s thinking about it, I say, you know: Just give it a chance,” he said. “You never know. And, you know, if you do one and it’s not for you, then you did it. And, you’ve boosted your college resume, and maybe made a few friends. But, for some of you, it might actually be the best thing that’s ever happened to you.”