Amy Seigert’s approach to directing plays at Potosi High School is built on planning, flexibility, and making theater a place where students feel welcome and confident.
This year's play she will be directing is Trouble in Tumbleweed, written by Tim Kelly and based on a Russian farce. The comedy pokes fun at people through mistaken identities, making it fast-paced, humorous, and perfect for high school actors. Seigert often prefers comedies because, as she says, “people get to be who they aren’t.” Playing someone with a completely different personality is challenging, but it gives students a valuable learning experience and a place to have fun.
Preparation for a play begins early. Seigert starts looking for scripts during the summer before the school year even begins. When choosing a show, she carefully considers the incoming high school students and their personalities. Upperclassmen are often encouraged to audition, helping to build excitement and involvement, since they won't have many opportunities to act after high school. This year’s production includes a group of twenty-two cast members and six crew members.
“Managing such a big group can be challenging,” Seigert says, but she has her own strategies. She understands that students enjoy being with their friends, so she creates an environment where they can have fun as long as the work gets done. Snacks help too, giving students another reason to come to practice and stay engaged. Rehearsal scheduling is one of the hardest parts, since many students are involved in sports, jobs, and other activities. Because of this, Seigert emphasizes flexibility and teamwork so everyone can make it work.
Behind the scenes, the crew plays a huge role in making the production successful. Crew members move sets, build set pieces and props, and adapt and pick out elements of the show that could be fixed or changed to fit the show’s needs. They also handle lighting and sound, though they are not required to attend every rehearsal. Support from the Fine Arts Booster Club helped improve the production by providing sixteen wearable microphones, allowing the audience to clearly hear every line.
Technical work is especially important to Seigert, and students like Myles Helminiak play a big role behind the scenes, working with the lighting and sound systems to bring the show to life. Myles was taught many tips and tricks for handling the lighting and sound by a former student.
Seigert has expressed that she wishes there were a theater class she could make available for students, suggesting how strongly she values performance in education.
Through careful planning, encouragement, and a supportive atmosphere, Amy Seigert makes directing plays at Potosi High School both successful and meaningful. Her dedication allows students to grow, try new roles, and experience the joy of theater together.
The play will be performed in the Keith Livins Auditorium on March 28th at 7:00 pm, and March 29th at 2:00 pm