Clarke Central High School English department teacher Molly Dorkey gives feedback to CCHS students in Room 322 on March 31. Ninth-grade Literature 1 students, including Dorkey’s, and CCHS Book Club members like senior Lilith Madrdid were given the opportunity to attend a field trip at the University of Georgia’s Fine Arts Theatre to see a performance of “Sense and Sensibility” on April 14. “I look forward to enjoying a good time with my club members,” Madrid said. “Maybe cry a little because the story is beautiful.” Photo by Grady Dunston
Ninth grade Literature 1 students and CCHS Book Club members will have the opportunity to attend a live theatrical performance of “Sense and Sensibility” at UGA’s Department of Theatre and Fine Arts Studies on April 14.
Clarke Central High School students enrolled in Literature 1, a freshman English course, and CCHS Book Club members will attend a live performance of “Sense and Sensibility” at the University of Georgia’s Fine Arts Theatre on April 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
UGA’s spring production takes place each year, but a different play is showcased. The CCHS field trip is coordinated by English and World Languages Instructional Coach Ginger Lehmann, along with English department teacher Molly Dorkey, and is open to Literature 1 students and book club members, but students aren’t required to attend.
“Every spring, UGA reserves one day of their theater performance for local students,” Lehmann said. “After looking at the number of students who attended in previous years and considering that the (CCHS) media specialists are hosting a book club around ‘“Sense and Sensibility,’” (and) this year, we reserved 100 seats.”
“Watching theatre can deepen one’s understanding and love of literature, and experiencing a professional production like this is a special opportunity that goes beyond the classroom.”
— Molly Dorkey, English department teacher
CCHS Book Club member Mariah Carson, a senior, plans to attend the field trip despite never seeing a play before. Madrid previously read “Sense and Sensibility,” by Jane Austen, and is eager to see the live performance.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how UGA interprets the story (since) this is my first time watching a play,” Carson said. “I’m excited to experience all of the aspects of the show, (like) the dialogue, costumes and the set.”
Dorkey hopes that experience will allow students to have the opportunity to feel the connection of a theatrical performance and the book.
“The hope is that students come away with a deeper appreciation for how written texts translate to the stage,” Dorkey said. “Watching theatre can deepen one’s understanding and love of literature, and experiencing a professional production like this is a special opportunity that goes beyond the classroom.”
