CHS Drama Club to Present "The Last Fire of Summer"

The Carmel High School Drama Club will present four performances of "The Last Fire of Summer" by Arthur M. Jolly, in a production that is entirely student-run.  

Performances will be held in Casey Hall at Carmel High School on Friday, November 13, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, November 14, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, November 15, at 2 p.m. 

Tickets are available at chsperform.booktix.com.  
“This is the premiere of the play,” said Killian, the show's co-director and a senior from the Town of Kent. “We are the very first high school to produce the show.” 

Set on the last night of summer, five students gather around a campfire to share spooky stories. As the tales unfold, they realize they aren't just telling scary stories, they are in one. 

“It's a very open-ended show,” Killian said. “You can interpret it in a number of ways.” 

For the student directors, the production has also provided an opportunity to explore new creative challenges. 

Co-director Rebecca, a CHS senior from the Town of Carmel, has been performing since she was about three years old. While she loves being on stage, stepping into a leadership role behind the scenes has been a new experience. 

“Finding a balance between giving instruction and allowing people to be creative in their own way is the hardest part of directing,” Rebecca said. 

The production will feature two casts. 

“We had so many students interested, and we didn't want to turn anyone away,” said Drama Club Advisor Amy Emerson. “We are really inclusive, that's important to me.” 

That inclusive spirit has helped the Drama Club grow steadily. Over the past three years, the program has added approximately 20 students each year. 

The fall productions are entirely student-produced, giving participants hands-on experience in nearly every aspect of putting on a show, Emerson said. 

“The directors, stage managers, technical director, cast and crew are all students,” she said. “The lighting, sound, public relations, social media and even the playbills are done by students.” 

With a new play making its school debut, two casts and a growing group of dedicated performers and crew members, "The Last Fire of Summer" will showcase the creativity of Carmel High School's Drama Club.