TAMUK’s Art, Communication and Theatre Department hosted its annual children’s show for surrounding schools and the community. Witch of the Enchanted Woods, written by student Erica Garcia Ginnett, was the show performed this semester.
“What inspired me to write the show is so often we see the Prince rescuing the Princess and I think girls are stronger than boys. I wanted the kids to recognize that. I wanted it to be normal for them to see,” Ginnett said.
The show centers around Princess Cassie as she travels through the enchanted woods to find her friend Prince Puffypants who was captured by the evil witch. As she travels to rescue the Prince, Princess Cassie meets friends along the way who help her on her journey.
Art Major Nadia Hernandez, who played Princess Cassie, mentioned she always liked theatre ever since she was a little kid and as soon as she heard of the opportunity for this show she knew she had to take it.
“I love the take that Nadia does on the Princess. I love the voice she does for it because I didn’t imagine that voice. I imagined a regular person’s voice and when she went up and auditioned with her chosen voice, it was like we found our Princess,” Ginnett said.
First-time director Edgar Vazquez mentions that directing came with a lot of feelings as it was a mix of excitement and nervousness. He was not alone throughout the process as his stage manager was right by his side as well as old alumni who offered advice.
Although nerves and hard work had been put into the show, a special guest appearance may have made it all worth it. Blue’s Clues host, Steve Burns made a surprise pop-up during rehearsal to say hello and to check in on the actors.
“It was a very memorable moment because not only did he say hi and want to take a picture with us, he actually started asking questions and wondered what the show and the annual children’s show was about,” Vazquez said.
While the actors and crew had fun putting the show together, such as witnessing clumsy moments between them, many wished they were provided with more equipment and time.
Due to lack of equipment and budget, many creative thoughts were not able to reach reality as the crew had very few props to work with. Vazquez mentioned they did try to get as creative as they could to make the show worthwhile for the kids.
But as many say “the show must go on” and it did as this crew and cast did not let anything stop them from having fun rehearsing or performing. Art Major Micaaela Carrales expressed that this cast was really fun and enjoyed being around each other.
“I hope the kids learn that you can find friends anywhere, through any kind of people,” Ginnett said.