As a project for an advanced acting class, students at West Hartford’s Conard High School spent the entire day as characters from works of fiction.

By Bridget Dawson and Kayleigh Martin

Members of Conard’s Specialized Performance Study (SPS) class have completed one of their biggest projects of the year – Fictional Character Day – where they choose any character from any book, and must spend the seven-hour school day in the life of said character.

Because SPS is Conard’s most advanced acting class, there is a lot of freedom in the project. The students curate their sets, costumes, and activities to entertain participants. Throughout the day, a multitude of students come through the back gym to engage with the characters, and their sets.

“It’s not just a show,” said Conard theatre director and acting teacher Hunter Parker. Characters are “improvising all day long for the entire school that comes to visit.” Parker remarked that she loves seeing students she’s never seen engage in theatre, visit character booths, and laugh and smile.

Conard junior Maya Hernandez explained that, “It’s very interesting with a lot of creativity put into it.” Fictional Character Day elicits a very positive response even with students not a part of the program. Hernandez said she would definitely consider joining the acting program at Conard after engaging with the amusing aspects of Fictional Character Day.

The event’s ability to engage students who are not involved in the acting program is inspiring, and that’s one of the many beauties of Fictional Character Day. The culmination of the project is exciting for both participants as well as the SPS students, as they have to think very quickly on their feet to keep up with the wide array of people they interact with throughout the day.

Ryan Garrett as “The Mask from The Mask”

Dressed head-to-toe in a bright yellow suit fitted with a tophat and neon green face paint, Garrett asked participants to select one unsuspecting victim, whom he would prank. Students erupted with laughter at the outrageous stunts performed and were impressed with Garrett’s sharp wit and clever humor.

Vitalia Hrybanau as Yelena Belova from “White Widow”

Hrybanau engaged students in a self-defense class, demonstrating her superspy knowledge. In this “class,” students were taught different self defense methods, equipping students with essential safety skills.

Julia Valdez as Mrs. Frazzle, in “The Magic School Bus”

Valdez helped students create slime, using glue, borax, baking soda, and food coloring. Participants explained how they “used to make and sell slime” when they were in elementary school, and that making it again “healed their inner child.”

Graeham Rodgers as David from “No David”

In addition to a drawing contest on his set, Rodgers rode a scooter around the gym, messing with other characters’ sets and activities, to which each of them would respond, “No David!” His childish behavior was heartwarming and funny. Students enjoyed playing with his huge teddy bear, and pogo stick.

Seve Carbone as Charlie Bucket from “Willy Wonka”

Carbone tasked students with finding the illusive golden ticket, hidden somewhere in the gym. If students who searched far and wide were able to find said ticket, then they would be granted a chocolatey surprise.

Delia Canarie as Jo March from “Little Women” 

Canarie conducted auditions for her upcoming playwright performance, “The Witches Tale.” The props and costumes engaged students as they read the “script” and acted out the role of the four characters.

Shannon Dalton as Amelia Badelia from “Amelia Badelia”

Dalton, who was outfitted in a maid uniform and wore a black tophat with flowers, asked students to help her complete her chores before Mr. and Mrs. Rodgers got home. However, as students started to complete the task, such as dusting the furniture, Dalton would scold them as they were clearly supposed to be un-dusting instead.

Josh Peak as Captain Hook from “Peter Pan”

Peak quizzed students on questions relative to the lifestyle of a pirate. Questions included “What is the front of the boat called?” (bow) and “What are the worst creatures in the world?” (Fairies, children, and mermaids). Then, students would walk the plank and have a sword battle against one another. Winners received a skull sticker.

Latifah Youssif as Tinkerbell from “Peter Pan”

Yousef asked students to apply to become a fairy.  Students were excited to apply to become a fairy, and reminisce upon the magic found in memorable childhood books such as “Peter Pan.”

Danny Zigmont as Daniel Hilliard from “Madame Doubtfire”

Zigmont, who was distressed that he was unable to spend enough time with his children, had students create a secret alter identity for him, with one student creating the drawing while the other was tasked with creating a wacky backstory for Zigmont’s alter ego.

Hugo Wattel as Peter Parker from “The Amazing Spider Man”

Unsuspectingly dressed as Peter Parker, the name behind the mask, and not in true spider gear, Wattel slyly asked participants to draw him a super suit for an unknown project with an unknown motive.

Cat Boulton as Paddington Bear from “Paddington”

Boulton exclaimed about the deliciousness of marmalade, and asked students if they would like to try this incredible food. Offering students a cracker alongside the jelly, in order to taste its yummy goodness.

Solana Colon as Tiana from “Princess and the Frog”

Colon asked students if they would like to help her come up with new additions to add to her menu or color in a blueprint for the restaurant. Students excitedly brainstormed new items for Colon’s menu, such as Pesto Pizza among other delicious ideas.

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