The Guthrie Theater has been around for 50 years working with many students from different schools. 15 lucky students from SFHS got selected this year to participate in the Guthrie Theater Schools on Stage program.

Students who wanted to be involved had to fill out an application and write a one page essay on why they would like to participate and what they thought they could bring to the workshop. The theatre department was able to participate because of a $500 memorial fund from parents of Noah Muonio, who was involved in many activities, including drama. When Muonio was killed this summer on his airforce base in Ohio, his parents wanted to help provide rare opportunities for students with special talents.

Glenn Morehouse Olson decided that School on Stage was a good program to put the memorial fund towards.

“Noah was an amazing student with a passion for theatre and helping others. This is a fitting memorial  – to give others the opportunity to expand their horizons, “ said Morehouse Olson

Participant freshman Hannah Beckman was one of the writer/actors involved.

“I have a big passion for being in theater and just being around all the theater kids because I feel like it’s a second family,” said Hannah Beckman.

Freshman Eva Lindberg was excited for the learning opportunity.

“You learn a lot. I had no idea the steps to create an actual production and I have learned all the building blocks to what theater is, like back stories, and what your character does, and what it sees when your not actually the one speaking,” she said.

One of the teaching artists, Shanan Custer, also had some positive things to say about working with St. Francis.

“I really like the vibe here at St. Francis, the closeness of the group. They’ve been through a lot together, they respect each other, and work well together,” said Custer.