West Cook News

Opening on Wednesday, September 17, "Perfect Arrangement," directed by senior Rowan Neville, is the latest production from Oak Park and River Forest High School’s Studio 200 program. This initiative allows seniors to direct a full-length play, an opportunity that Theatre Department Chair Michelle Bayer says is uncommon in most schools.

“Most schools don’t give students the chance to direct full-length plays,” said Bayer. “At OPRF, not only do we give them that chance, we prepare them to succeed.” Students must complete several prerequisites, prepare a portfolio, and participate in an interview for the opportunity. Those selected are responsible for curating their production team, selecting the cast, and managing all aspects of the show with guidance from a staff sponsor.

For Neville, directing this play has been meaningful. “I’ve known since freshman year that I wanted to direct a show that centers LGBTQ+ voices,” he said. “This story takes place in the 1950s and follows two lavender couples during the McCarthy era. It’s about identity, hiding, and ultimately, finding strength.”

Neville also noted that he developed skills beyond directing: time management, leadership, creative collaboration, and communication. “It’s taught me a lot about how to guide a team and bring a vision to life.”

Bayer highlighted the broader impact of Studio 200. “We want students to tell stories that matter to them,” she said. “Rowan can tell this story better than I can because it’s his lived experience. That’s the power of student voice.”

Oak Park and River Forest High School serves grades 9 through 12 with an enrollment of 3,393 students during the 2019-2020 school year (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). The student body is diverse: 56.9 percent white students; 18.2 percent black students; 12.6 percent Hispanic students; and 3.8 percent Asian students according to data from the Illinois Report Card (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).

The theatre program at OPRF offers twelve full-length productions each year across three theater spaces where students lead in various roles including performing and designing.

"Perfect Arrangement" will be performed on September 17 and 18 at 7 p.m., with an additional show on September 19 at 4 p.m.; tickets are $5 for general admission.