We’ll step Off the Field to take a closer look at some of the Republic students who are competing in non-sports activities. Our report is brought to you by State Farm Agent Sarah Rader. Talk to her about how you can save money by combining your home and auto insurance.For its first presentation, the new-look Tiger Theatre program is going with an old standby. The Republic Theatre Department will present The Wizard of Oz this weekend, in its first stage production under new director David Krudwig. Krudwig came to Republic from Parkview, where he led the theatre department for 17 years.
“The process has been great,” Krudwig says. “I told the kids a couple of days ago that I was really proud of the fact that they were so accepting of a lot of the changes that I’ve asked them to do, like warm ups and the rehearsal process. I think that’s a big thank you to the people that came before and Mr. Williams, who have generated that kind of mindset.”
Krudwig says The Wizard of Oz is a natural choice for the first production, because it’s so well-known and accessible to families with children.
“You cast kids from the elementary schools because … brings that whole group together in support of one thing. It’s a kids’ show, designed like kids can come and see it,” he says. “It’s a family-type show, and that’s also helpful to get people involved. The Wizard of Oz is something that everybody knows.”
Krudwig says one of the biggest challenges for him is learning the space where the show will be held, in the high school auditorium.
“Having spent 17 years at Parkview, I knew that space in and out. I knew its flaws, I knew how to cover them up, and here it’s a little bit different,” he says. I’m learning the flaws of the space and how to best hide those types of things and really showcase the other parts of it. That’s been somewhat of a challenge.”
And Krudwig says the students involved in the production, both onstage and backstage, have accepted all the changes he’s thrown at them in his first year.
“Experiencing … can be a little bit different—sometimes can be challenging. I think the student population is really excited, but we’re still trying to get to know each other,” he says. “I’ve been pretty impressed with their willingness to just try something new.”
Showtimes are November 15-17 at 7 pm, with a 2 pm showing on Sunday, November 18. You can purchase tickets in advance here.