Encore Performance at Nelson High: Student play that is NTS Drama Fest entry on stage Friday 7:00 pm

By Pepper Parr

April 8th, 2028

BURLINGTON, ON

Three Nelson High school students who are in the Drama program have a play that has made it to the NTS DramaFest (NTS) regional level.

Michelle Stern, Zainab Majid and August Frade put the short play together.

From left to right: Michelle Stern, Zainab Majid and August Frade

NTS supports thousands of students across the country in the creation and presentation of theatrical performances.  Works are presented through district, regional, zone and provincial showcases are the culmination of months of hard work.

The Nelson High School student production is at the regional level. They will perform in Gravenhurst later this year.

Michelle Stern and August Frade on stage, displaying themed clothing.

This Friday, April 10th, the play will be performed at an Encore Performance at Nelson High.

The cast will be making heavy use of cell phones, which is what the play is about. Titled Disconnected, the play will have 41 different people on the stage.  Expect to see cell phones playing a large part in a play that makes a statement that might come as a surprise to many.

Marisa Cavataio, the Nelson High Drama leader, looks for creativity, critical comment and empathy from students when they put together a play

The NTS DramaFest’s annual activities take place in high schools hosts across Canada from November to May.

Trevor Copp, well known and respected actor, adjudicated the play and had this to say: “I love adjudicating because it’s an invitation to consider how this work can create deeper impressions. Their piece was memorable because it took a criticism on their generation – the phone addiction – that is usually delivered by an older generation at them and turned it on its head by applying it to themselves.

“Watching teenagers question their relationship to tech and screens and hearing them arrive at conclusions that the wider public buys into is rich and surprising and interesting.

“I felt honoured by their discipline, the remarkable amount of work and care for the audience’s experience, and grateful to be in the room with them.”

Friday evening: 7:00 pm – $10 at the door