![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasn't been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but I've had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. There's so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesn't exist, you can build it yourself," Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and it's played such a major role in who I've become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something I'm [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala ('21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you aren't going to get those championships if you aren't fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“I'm not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that there's a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyone's so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
Students take part in Student Directed Showcase callbacks today
Students participated in Student Directed Showcase callbacks today after school following the initial auditions earlier this week on Monday and Tuesday
Student Directed Showcase callbacks are the second round of auditions in which the directors allow students to audition for specific roles in the plays unlike the initial auditions, where students had to choose from one of four monologues to audition.
“The callback process is important because that gives you a chance to read scenes,” Rishabh Chandra (11) said. “If I had a scene with another actor, and [the directors] wanted to test the chemistry between [me] and the other actor, they would have me read that scene and say ‘How do they play off each other? Can I cast them? Will this be a good fit for my show?’”
The shows that students are auditioning for are “We Live Here” by Zoe Kazan, “Almost Maine” by John Cariani, “Exit” by Ron Dune and “Check, Please” by Jonathan Rand. These shows, which were chosen during the summer by the four student directors, will be directed by Madi Lang-Ree (12), Caroline Howells (12), Zoe Woehrmann (12) and Jai Ahuja (12) respectively.
“I’m really excited to get callbacks going,” Madi said. “It’s going to be crazy stressful; we’re going to be here till 11 o’clock at night, but it’s going to be really awesome.”
Students were given the opportunity to sample each play at stage readings on Oct. 6 and Oct. 7 during lunch periods. Those who wished to audition performed one of four monologues provided by the directors during auditions on Monday and Tuesday.
Following these initial auditions, the directors posted callback lists on Athena2; the students who were called back to audition for specific roles in any of the four plays were named on these lists. At callbacks, students acted out small snippets and scenes from the plays.
Some newcomers to the Conservatory, such as freshmen, were nervous about the audition process at first but more comfortable when callbacks occurred.
“It was a much more relaxed experience than the rest of the auditions, except it was still kind of nerve-wracking because it was an audition,” Anika Banga (9) said.
Other students who had previously auditioned or performed in the showcase were more confident about auditioning.
“I feel more prepared because this is my second time doing it so I know what to expect. I’ll be less nervous,” Priyanka Chilukuri (10) said.
The final results for the cast lists of each show will be posted tonight following callbacks. After the final cast lists are released, each director will rehearse with their casts until January. The shows will be presented on Jan. 9 and Jan. 10 at the Blackford Theater from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Kshithija “KJ” Mulam (12) is the Winged Post Editor-in-Chief. Serving as the Winged Post News Editor in her junior year, Winged Post Photo Editor in...