Within a single step into the Bolles Theater one feels the thrilling effort dedicated into creating a spooky atmosphere. A main source of light emitted from the stage as a sickly green light highlights the laboratory themed set and smoke machine. Caution tape sprawled along the walls and a crowd settled into their seats as the Bonita Vista High Vocal Music Department (VMD) began their annual Scream performance on Oct. 20 and Oct. 21.
Scream serves as a kick-off event for the VMD competition season to allow both of its choir groups to perform together. This year, the theme of Sound Unlimited as mad scientists and Music Machine as aliens captivated a compelling story accompanied by group performances and solo acts. Throughout the show, the audience follows the storyline. Following every scene transition, the lights go out and the audience yells, hence the name “Scream.”
“VMD does Scream because it is a 40-year long tradition and it is still strong. We do it because it kind of gives us a kick-off for the year and it kind of builds the house. We start building the house right now so we can live in it during our competition year,” VMD director assistant, Baritone Section Leader and senior Trevar Braaten said.
With a long history, the Scream event has experienced a number of changes and alterations over the years in things such as the outdoor carnival where people can participate in a variety of activities. VMD sold food, including mini games and a haunted hallway hosted by the Drama Club. Although the event has evolved over many years, a unique audience and strong level of creativity has maintained high quality. Despite only having performances spread over two nights, the planning process started much earlier.
“The theme was decided in July, and then we found songs [to follow that theme]. Then we went through different ideas and auditions [as well as] costuming and booking choreographers, so it is just a big group project,” VMD director Michael Atwood said. “I frame Scream as the first big kickoff for the year of how the rest of the year is gonna go, because it is the first time [the students] are learning choreography. They are learning new songs and really getting into character.”
Moreover, Atwood explains the importance of creative freedom his students are offered through this event, differing from VMD’s competition season. Therefore, VMD performers were not the only students showcasing their creativity in the show as students in the tech crew familiarized themselves with their roles.
“My process, once they have all the songs down, is to download all the tracks onto the iPad. So I taught everyone [how] to use it because we have a whole new tech [team] for this year [which] was a bit difficult as I [taught] everyone,” VMD tech lead and senior Alyssa Ramirez said.
Atwood notes how every year, Scream looks to improve and come back with a stronger and more experienced performance. He looks forward to seeing how the event will evolve over time to become bigger and better.
“I used this year as a redo of last year because we improved what we learned. I want the audience to feel something different every year. I want to make a difference, because it is good for us, as performers, to try new things and challenge our creativity,” Atwood said.
With the thunderous applause, screams when the light switched off, and a large number of seats filled, Scream proved to be a success. It was a highly prosperous event that allowed abundant entertainment for its audience.
“This is a fun experience to look back on and just to be on stage with your friends and I was super proud of them. Saturday was probably the best time they ever did, in rehearsal and performance. It showed everything they [worked for],” Atwood said.
