Clashing swords meets a beauty contest? It can only be the work of the drama department.

The department puts on two well publicized performances each year; the fall play and the spring musical. However, the Robinson Production Company unveils a show each year, too.

This year, RoProCo presented “The Very Unmerry Adventures of Robin Hood” and “Pirates of the Amazon: Treasure of Mystery Island.”
The company was started four years ago, and so several seniors returned this year for closure; though a majority of the class consists of freshmen.

Senior Sam Hennerty directed “Pirates of the Amazon”, which told the story of Jenny Silver, played by Andy.

Hennerty said her seniority and experience helped her successfully direct her show, and the cast’s enthusiasm aided her.

“They’re really hardworking and super helpful… and I like mistakes better than nothing, so we’re learning as we go,” Hennerty said.
But the freshmen were not the only ones learning. Hennerty’s role as director came with some hindrance.

“It’s been weird sometimes because I’m not an actress, so directing acting when I don’t know it has been hard,” Hennerty said.
Freshman Meg Connors co-directed “Pirates of the Amazon” with Hennerty.

According to Connors, the shows were aimed at a younger audience, but older kids could enjoy them, too. “Robin Hood” is a comedic take on the classic story, and “Pirates of the Amazon” is a fresh story few are familiar with.

It was Connors’ first time directing a show, and there were some challenges that accompanied her new role.

“In order to be a director you really have to stick to what you believe,” Connors said. “Everyone has opinions of how the show should look, but you have to keep your ideas or else it’s not your show.”

Also lending a hand in the class’ efforts is the producer Douglas Chip Rome. Rome is the designated teacher of the class, but he describes his role differently.

“I catch details and provide suggestions, but the broad strokes are done by students. I can halt a production or motivate it, and I assist with basic problems or blocking difficult scenes. Other than that, [the students] have done everything,” Rome said.

According to Rome, the show was pitched as a children’s play, because the community is always hungry for that. However, the material was chosen because it can be enjoyed by high school students as well.

Senior Lizzie Hodgdon was the Technical Director of the shows. Hodgdon said some of the technical limitations are due to the fact that mainly freshmen are enrolled in the class. The group had difficulties with set construction, but the final set worked well.

Despite the obstacles in the shows’ technical aspects, Hodgdon spoke fondly of the class itself.

“The class energy is so invigorating, it’s a wonderful environment to be in…And it really shows in the final product.”