Besides being an unforgettable production, this year’s fall play “Pride and Prejudice” was the beginning of a new era for the Sterling High School Theatre Department.
Last school year, director of Theatre Tim Schlegel announced a three-year retirement process from the position he’s held since 1998, when Centennial Auditorium was constructed. The announcement revealed that Schlegel would no longer direct the S.H.S. theatrical productions or manage Centennial Auditorium, but would take on the position of scenic designer and mentor to the new directors. The new director for fall play was announced to be then-assistant director Ellen Johnson.
Johnson is no stranger to local theatre, as she has served in S.H.S.’s assistant director position for twelve productions. Prior to directing at S.H.S., Johnson held directorial experience in Kewanee High School, Monmouth College, UHI Inverness, and Kewanee Community Theatre. Her first production in Sterling was “Matilda: The Musical” in 2021, which “[helped her] discover [her] passion for theater and build lasting friendships within the community.” Johnson reflects on her time in Sterling and shares how she is “consistently inspired by the generosity, talent, and determination of our theatre students.”
Due to her extensive resume in theatre, Schlegel felt no hesitation when promoting Johnson to the director position. His trust in Johnson allowed him to step back, not being involved in rehearsals until the final weeks leading up to performances, but rather serving as the scenic designer and publicity coordinator. Johnson describes Schlegel as “a master of blocking with a remarkable ability to see the overall big picture.” She would later use these skills in fall play rehearsals.
Cast members also felt a strong connection to Johnson. Senior Brinley Francis appreciates Johnson’s method of “seeing how the production looks from an audience’s perspective.” Meanwhile, junior Maggie Wittenauer appreciates Johnson’s “genuine care for the mental health and personal lives of all cast members.”
Following the performances of the fall play, Johnson is now “confident that students have made substantial growth and encountered experiences that broadened their perspectives” throughout this year’s fall play, and she looks forward to “offer[ing] captivating characters to further enhance students’ acting skills.”
After receiving strong reviews, S.H.S. looks forward to the future of the fall play production under Johnson’s direction.
