By Thomas Machado

Easthampton, MA- At a prep school in Massachusetts drama gets more attention than sports because the focus on the well-rounded student trumps Varsity athletics.

Meanwhile at Lowell High School, Fine Arts are an elective but there’s a reluctance by some to participate.

Will Fokas, a student from the Williston Northampton School, explained that it is mandatory at Williston for all students to attend at least one class in the Fine Arts.

Most students at the school unexpectedly enjoy the theatre course because they never thought it would be interesting, according to Fokas.

Will’s final for the second semester was to act out the “Make-me-an- offer…” scene from the film,  The Godfather.  The scene depicts an Italian Mafia boss negotiating over illegal activities in early 20th Century New York City.

The school seeks to create an atmosphere where the Fine Arts are as valued as sports in other schools, said Fokas.

Whether you’re into drama or not that’s a pretty cool final, added Fokas.

The Williston official school website demonstrates a balance of disciplines with commitment to Fine Arts and culture.

By giving more weight to the Fine Arts, Williston students, who otherwise would not take Fine Arts courses, experience drama, music or dance at the school.

Even if the student doesn’t like drama, or one of the other Fine Arts, the mandatory requirement gives students exposure to Fine Arts which would not normally be part of their resume.  

Fokas said it pushed him from his comfort zone but everyone has the opportunity at this experience because of the Fine Arts credit requirement.

The result is a well-rounded student population, he said.

Lowell High School’s Burgoyne Theatre

Meanwhile at LHS, students may choose to take Fine Arts classes but not all students can overcome the stigma by others.

Participants in the LHS drama class and drama club focus their skill on acting, stage crew, acoustics and scenery.

“I never told anyone I was in the drama club because it felt awkward, and I would be judged,” said one member, who preferred to remain anonymous.

The scene is set for George S. Kaufman’s “You Can’t Take it With You.”  Rehearsal in the Burgoyne Theatre has been long and tedious, but perfection is key for the student performers.  

Some of the participants don’t fit the drama stereotype here.  But the Fine Arts are also not mandatory at LHS as in Williston School.

An anonymous member of the football team said, “it’s not that I have anything against drama kids it’s just that I would be made fun of by my teammates if I did drama.”

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