As spring rolls around, the drama department is preparing for an upcoming children’s show set to open during the second week of April in the McAfee Center.

There are five shows, each directed by various students. The shows include “Prince Thrushbeard” directed by senior Juliana Lustenader, “The Frog Prince” directed by junior Hannah Brown, “Hump Beak Grandpa” directed by senior Diana Seo, “Strega Nona” directed by senior Christina Lauro, and “Seven At One Blow” directed by junior Natalie Riccomini. Each of the shows will be performed for local elementary school kids.

Auditions concluded two weeks ago and the cast list has been announced, with each show starring six or seven actors. Many of the cast members have participated in other SHS productions this year such as “Grease” and “Romeo and Juliet.” Unlike those productions, however, the various plays will follow lesser known plots such as the fairy tales “Prince Thrushbeard” and “Seven At One Blow.”

“We were told to choose stories that had to do with our heritage and were fun for a younger audience,” said Brown.

The shows will follow the same rehearsal patterns as if they were one large performance with around the number of cast members equivalent to that of the fall plays.

“I think it’s going to be so much fun working on these shows,” said sophomore Kaitna Shankar, who will be playing Strega Nona in the shows. “I’m excited for the rehearsals and hanging out with all the cast members.”

Brown is interested to see how the experience of directing a play turns out.

“I think it’ll be a good learning experience and it’s great to see the other side of the whole performing process,” said Brown. “I think it’ll be useful in my decisions for college and my future.”

Overall, the whole cast is looking forward to the shows. With two and a half months left to opening night, they continue to work hard.

“It’s going to be great performing for the younger kids. I’m extremely excited to see how the shows turn out,” said Shankar.