Members of the Biddeford High School thespian troupe 7972 rehearse for their annual fall play. The group will perform in the Biddeford Middle School auditorium at 7 p.m. Nov. 16 and Nov. 17 and will perform two one-act shows: ‘Clue,’ a rendition of the popular board game, and ‘The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon,’ a twist on well-known fairy tales. GRACE LAVERRIERE/Journal Tribune

BIDDEFORD — The week leading up to a big performance is full of intense preparation. From running lines, to blocking out scenes and perfecting every facial expression, the Biddeford High School thespian troupe 7972 is preparing for their annual fall play.

The group will perform in the Biddeford Middle School auditorium at 7 p.m. Nov. 16 and Nov. 17. This year, the troupe is performing two one-act shows: “Clue,” a rendition of the popular board game, and “The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon,” a twist on well-known fairy tales.

The selection process of the shows is unique.

“Before we have a show picked out, we first like to see how many audition,” said student director Alyssa Landry. “Then, from there, we choose shows that fit the strong suits of the actors.”

Actors in the troupe are all very dedicated. The thespian society is a form of an honor society, members are inducted during a formal ceremony.

“(Thespian society) celebrates academic and theatrical achievement,” Landry said.

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This dedication shows through the hard work the actors do along with the effort the student directors put in. Landry said that as a student director for two years, she’s gained skills in scene blocking, costume design, and all other aspects that contribute to putting on a great show.

The shows this year are especially exciting for the actors involved.

“There’s a really great group of actors this year, so we were able to try some cool lighting techniques,” said Landry. “(The shows) are great because it connects to the stuff people know so (the audience) will get the jokes.”

With the shows the thespian society puts on, they hope to interest and appeal to the community members who come to watch.

“It’s really important for the community to feel like they are apart of something,” said Landry. “Theater is a great way to do that.”

All the time and dedication students have put in has not gone unnoticed.

“I am so proud of all the work the actors and student directors have put in during rehearsals,” said director Chris Ferrell. “I’m very excited to see how it all comes together next week.”

As the date of the show approaches, Landry is ready.

“This is one of the most exciting plays we have done, I can’t wait to see how it all comes together.”

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