Critically acclaimed play “Almost Maine,” made its first debut at the Portland Stage Company and took center stage here this weekend, moving beyond the plot to build connections among cast and crew as well as strengthen community support.
Christopher Hueg, the head play director, not only talks about the connection he has with theater, but also the connection he has with his students.
“Building connections is key to building a performance that the students are proud of. I always try to connect my notes and examples to something that they can relate to,” Hueg said.
Hueg believes that connecting his personal stories to the students’ lives not only furthers the connection he has with them but also their understanding of the play, which he says is critical to building a performance. Overall, just showing his passion as a mentor and as someone determined to make the production something he is proud of.
Someone who shares a similar passion is Megan Majka, the assistant stage director. Ten years ago, Majka got into directing through her friend and coworker, Sue Kamrowski, a previous head stage director. She’s gained a passion for it ever since.
“I enjoy watching the actors transform. It is wonderful to see the progression from a nervous first read through and initial blocking of a scene to tech week when the scene comes together. The confidence that is gained is wonderful to see,” Majka said.
Not only is this passion apparent in the directors, but it’s also seen in the cast members of the play. For many of the cast members, the play had a positive impact on their lives. That is no different for sophomore and two-time actor, Lucas Svec.
“[Being in the play has] helped me kind of be more empathetic than I already was, and it’s also just helped me build a community of people that are like me, and people I enjoy being around,” two-time actor in the fall play, Lucas Svec, said.
Svec, in the growth that he experienced through the play, is exploring his talent through humor.
“I sing, I rap. I’m mainly just funny; it’s my main talent. [People] say I’m funny, whether it’s funny looking, or I’m just a funny guy,” Svec said. Another cast member who doesn’t let exterior forces define them is senior, Morgan Woods.
Woods, who has done the fall play all four years of high school, was also positively impacted by the play. Woods grew up very sick, and because of her illness, she felt isolated from the world and was often shy and closed off to people. But joining theater built a sense of community, where she didn’t feel excluded because of their disability.
“Joining this has taught me to be more open with my emotions, and to embrace [my] feelings, and to put [myself] out there, and I feel like it’s very much benefited me,” Woods said.
For Woods, theater is a major factor in their life that has helped them through the years and something she’s gained a passion for. That passion seems to radiate through the cast, as another cast member, Kayla Ochotorena, absolutely loves theater and acting.
Ochotorena takes part in drama club, student council, and is captain of the wrestling team. Though she is involved in many different areas, her love for theater seems to especially shine by “being in the spotlight and projecting myself out there. Being on stage, [and] having the spotlight on me is something I always love,” she said.
Ochotrena talks about how her love of acting started at a very young age, from watching Disney shows, and wanting to be a part of the cast. But, with being in theater, student council, and wrestling, as well as school work and a social life, balancing her time can be difficult. She says the key to maintaining this packed schedule is communication, which builds trust between her and her teachers in that she is fully committed.
The play was performed Nov. 14-16, from 7-9 p.m.
