As a part of Great Oak High School’s IB (International Baccalaureate) program, HL (Higher Level, students in their second year of the study) Theatre students are expected to go above and beyond the levels of their peers to analyze the purpose behind their show. Director Zoe Nichols and the cast of Moliere’s "The Imaginary Invalid" did just that, creating a student-directed production that left the audience speechless.

She and her cast had been working on the show since November of 2012, when auditions began, and aired their first performance on Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. to a roaring audience.

"I’m impressed," said Quinn Spencer, who enjoyed watching her peers play across their stage, interacting with the audience and provoking laughter throughout the room. "The fact that it’s a student production makes it even more impressive."

Heather Hermesman, who came out to support her fellow IB students as well as her younger brother, said Zoe really "went above and beyond" other HL theatre. It "re-affirmed the power of collaboration and the arts on our campus," she said, something that is important considering recent cuts in funding to arts programs.

Made on a budget of about 50 dollars, "The Imaginary Invalid" called for its cast’s creative resourcefulness, initiative, and commitment. Much of Advertisement

[ Berry-Bell and Hall Mortuary ] the show’s luster sprung from the students’ ability to interpret and develop their roles with very little adult supervision, providing a lot more freedom for the students to develop their characters.

"It’s inspiring to see students figure out a character on their own, and I think that part of it allows for so much more depth," noted Jade Miller, a cast member. "I really enjoyed that creative freedom."

"I think it’s important for students to exercise their imagination; it makes for a lot more opportunity for comedic exploration," added Eddie Hustleby, another cast member.

Students who partook in the show are role models in the community, as they pursued their passions despite budget cuts and other potential setbacks.

"Theatre is a great way to really figure out and establish who you are as a person," Nichols said. "I find art in general to be very inspiring. I think it has the capacity to express things that are otherwise inexpressible, and I feel like theatre in particular is able to change and inspire people while also entertaining them. For ‘The Imaginary Invalid’ in particular the message was to live life to the fullest, and take advantage of the time you have left and the people who love you, because life is short."