As the theater program gets ready for its Winter One Act, thespian adviser Jodi Schifsky said she’s exhilarated to see what the club can make of it after its previously challenging shows.

“We did two shows virtually last year. But, it’s not the same as being onstage in front of a live audience. We worked really hard to bring Anne of Green Gables to life even though we were still wearing masks,” Schifsky said. “I’m excited to see what we can do with this next show to take it up to the next level.”

According to senior and thespian vice president Caroline Butler, the Winter One Act that was selected, “These Shining Lives,” is intriguing.

“It is set in the 1920s and ‘30s. It is about the true events of when radium companies lied to their employees that it was safe to ingest into their bodies, and they died of radium poisoning,” Butler said. “It’s a very interesting show. When we had callbacks, we read scenes from the script, and it’s a very cool story.”

For Schifsky, she’s hoping to describe the tale well given its societal importance.

“(We’re) looking forward to telling the story, which is always our primary goal especially when it’s based on a real life event. This is a tragic issue and an ongoing issue in society, about workers and how they’re supported by their jobs,” Schifsky said.

According to sophomore Anya Panday, she’s feeling hopeful for the Winter One Act because of the strong thespian attendance this year.

“The turnout this year was a lot higher than usual, which makes me really hopeful because I know a lot of the middle schoolers that will be coming soon are really into theater,” Panday said. “I’m hoping we can see the organization grow and hopefully see more thespians joining.”

Butler said she doesn’t anticipate many outlying challenges for the show, even with COVID-19 looming.

“There are always general challenges that go on (with) putting on a show. We have understudies for all our six leads, which is very helpful in case anyone gets sick or anyone can’t make it,” Butler said. “I don’t expect any problems with casting, but I don’t know how we’re going to stage the show or if we have problems that are out of our control.”

According to Panday, she suggested students interested in theater should check out a theater information night to get to know the thespian club.

“Theater is a great opportunity to meet new people, even if you’re not that sure that you’ll enjoy theater. It’s always a good idea to give it a try,” Panday said. “And if you’re contemplating, it’s a good idea to go to the theater info nights because you get to meet a ton of people who are really involved in theater. You (also) get a sense of what the process will be like if you’re in theater.”

“These Shining Lives” will be opening at 7 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Park Auditorium.