The Bridgewater-Raritan High School Theatre Arts Department is a prominent aspect of  the high school’s student culture.

The program presents two shows a year: the fall play and the spring musical. This year, Heather Day, the high school’s Director of the Theatre Arts, has been orchestrating the 2025 spring musical, Footloose.

However, the group of over 40 students takes incredible measures to ensure the show is perfectly polished before the first premiere on April 3 in the high school auditorium.

The Brifgewater-Raritan High School Theatre Arts will present Footloose on April 3 through 5 in the high school auditorium.

To work accordingly, their rehearsals are categorized and segmented into parts such as music, choreography and script work. When shadowing two average rehearsals without letting the department know what exact days, this was how two days of practice went off.

DAY 1

Rehearsal started promptly after school in the auditorium. Walking in an immediate surge of positive energy surrounded the room. Some students were singing, some talking with friends and some even finishing school assignments. But, once Ms.. Day said rehearsal had begun, everyone went to their spots accordingly.

On this day in particular, the entire cast practiced singing the finale song, “Footloose.” But first, they warmed up by performing vocal exercises. If an outsider were to walk into the auditorium during warmups they may think: “what is this siren going off?” However, the obscure drills evidently paid off once the singing began.

The singers were split into groups by their stage managers based on vocal range and which part of the song each individual would sing. After witnessing a rehearsal it is clear the stage managers are the “unseen superheroes” in the theater world.

Sophia Kelleheller and Emilia Hassouna are two of the stage managers on set. When iasked about their roles at rehearsal they gave their perspective.

“We run the majority of rehearsals and keep everyone focused and prepared,” they said.

While they may not be performing on stage to a large audience, they are valuable members of the production.

Once each group perfected their parts, the stage managers brought the company back in to sing in unison. Ms. Day instructed them intricately, presenting the performers’ spectacular talent.

One singer in particular, Oliver Shoaf, a sophomore at Bridgewater-Raritan Hgh School,  easily stood out to the crowd. Shoaf’s passion for art was easily visual and he explained how started acting in kindergarten at an afterschool program.

“Like one could imagine a child acting class, it’s fine, you just do it, run around and be a child… However, for me it just never stopped. It’s great being able to have a community at school where other people feel the same way about theater,” he said.

With that, the first rehearsal was done, until it was time for the next day.

DAY 2

Unlike the previous day, this rehearsal began at 5 p.m. and lasted until 8 p.m,  The objective task of this rehearsal was choreography.

Kelly Cirone, the choreographer for the spring musical, plotted out numerous dances for select performers and the entire company. When asked about how the dance process is going so far she gave her opinion.

“We started this number yesterday and they are already improving,” she said.

However, choreographing this musical is not as easy as it may seem. The premise of Footloose shares the story of a town that banned dancing for moral reasons.

“I’m trying to hold back a little bit with the dancing. That’s been the hardest part,” Ms. Cirone said.

While the choreography already looked great, it will be exciting to see the final product.

In the end, the two days of shadowing said a lot about the department. Throughout society and media; specifically involving younger generations; theater is seen as a simple hobby. For decades there have been ongoing debates regarding sports versus theater and here is the truth: there is zero comparison.

The atmosphere of the auditorium was like no other with the amount of passion, emotion and light. The performers are more than a team, but a family. Ms. Day creates an environment that welcomes everyone no matter their skill level or social groups.

“The best part is seeing the kids supporting one other and building each of them up” Ms. Day said.

If you are considering joining theater or are nervous about presenting yourself in front of a crowd, the BRHS theater department makes it a mission to give students the confidence to release their creative outlet.

“The structure of the theater is always: turn up, do the job, be present and be kind, and work hard,” Ms. Day said.