by Analicia Cass/Staff Writer
With seniors on their way to college, what they did in high school is what they will remember most. For Meghan Batka, she will remember her time at theatre.
Throughout one school year, GCHS’ theatre department puts on four productions. Meghan Batka has been involved in every show since the beginning of her freshman year. Batka is a Tech Head; they are the “boss” of the set crew, they get the set design and layout and put it into motion. They are the ones who teach new members how to properly build a set and get the layout just right. Often the set changing occurs during intermission; that is done by Tech Heads and the members of set crew.
Throughout Batka’s time at theatre, a lot has changed. Her freshman year was more easy going and fun, but now with her position, it feels like more of a job with all of the responsibility. She said, “It’s still a lot of fun and there are still a lot of great people here who dedicate their time. I think the program will continue to grow in a very delightful way.”
Batka has the extra stress of conflict with realizing she is in charge and has to keep everyone safe. She is aware that it is her responsibility if a member of the set crew is hurt. Even with the stress, Batka has most of her social life in theatre. “She is the one who will talk to you if you are upset, she makes sure everyone is doing okay before she worries about herself. Meghan is just genuinely a caring person,” said Cassidy Tapp, 9.
Because of her kindness and generosity towards others, Batka has made many friends that support her fully through things that may come her way. She returns the love and support as much as possible. “I hope that I have made people’s lives more positive for the people in theatre and hope they can be that person for the people to come when I am gone,” said Batka.
Batka said that theatre most affects the mind set she has towards doing things; she is more on track with her homework and she gets to be social. New member Brooklyn Harpold, 9, agreed in her statement. “It affects me in a way which makes me happy to be at school.”
Theatre has changed Batka’s work ethic; she has matured since she began her time in theatre, and she is now able to see the reality of things. “Not everything is black and white, I have seen some definite gray areas,” said Batka. Even with those gray areas, she knows the problem-solving and base-building skills will help her in college. Batka plans on going to college for fashion design. She hopes that her problem-solving skills from theatre will help her.