Southridge, Kamiakin drama students get serious in latest productions

Two student productions opening this week explore the struggles teens face growing up — from body image issues to bullying.

Southridge High School Theatre Arts presents Play the Hand That’s Dealt.

And Kamiakin High School’s drama club presents Reviving Ophelia.

Both shows open Nov. 13.

The Southridge show centers on a group of students who find themselves in a lockdown at school. The play deals with the effects of bullying.

“One of the lines is, ‘The venom you spit is as deadly as any bullet.’ It’s not just people who go to school with a gun who hurt others,” said Lucas Moody, 17, a junior who plays a teen named Brad in the production.

The drama club has gravitated toward more light-hearted shows in the past few years, Moody said.

But, “the arts have been known to talk about prominent social issues. We wanted to tie it back to that. We care about the community at Southridge. We want to make a difference if we can,” he said.

Barbara Wilson, the club’s adviser, is directing.

Performances are at 7 p.m. Nov. 13-14 and 20-21 in the auditorium at the school, 3520 Southridge Blvd., Kennewick.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students and seniors. They’re available at the door.

The Kamiakin show, Reviving Ophelia, is adapted from the nonfiction book by Mary Pipher. It follows four teenage girls as they navigate social pressures, insecurities, loss, love and bullying.

The show “lets people know that (tough) things happen. People go through them, and they’re OK. You’ll make it through. You’re not alone in your struggles,” said Sam Petersen, 16, a junior, who plays three supporting parts in the production.

Chris Hamilton, Kamiakin’s drama club adviser, is directing.

Performances are at 7 p.m. Nov. 13, 20-21 and at 1 p.m. Nov. 14 in the auditorium at the school, 600 N. Arthur St., Kennewick.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. They’re available at the door.

This story was originally published November 11, 2015 at 2:04 PM with the headline "Southridge, Kamiakin drama students get serious in latest productions."