For the fourth quarter Studio 200 show at Oak Park River Forest High School, director Preeti Mirmira put a focus on community with her show “Don’t Be Sad (But Someone Dies At The End)” which ran from April 22 to April 24. 

“I really love the community of it,” said Mirmira. “Everyone is so fun to work with all the time, and it’s so fun to be able to work with your peers to create something.”

Local playwright Dave Hudson, who Mirmira said is based in Oak Park and River Forest, wrote the play about the lives of six people who are regulars at a diner in Small Rapids, Wis. The story follows them throughout the four seasons as they go through challenges and reach for their goals. Unfortunately, one of the six does die at the end. 

“I think the ending is one of my favorite parts,” said junior Teddy Nielsen, who plays Marc. “I don’t want to give too much of it away, but the fact that it leaves so much up to spontaneity, just makes it feel so fresh and super dynamic.”

The show being written by a local playwright was one of the things that attracted Mirmira to the script. “The fact was written by a local playwright, one that I actually know pretty well, was a nice addition,” said Mirmira.” And also the show is about community, and the studio is such a community environment, So I felt like it kind of all went together really well.”

The close-knit environment of Studio 200 fostered relationships within the cast that were prevalent in their performances. “I feel like we reflect the community that we’re building within the show,” said Nielsen. “And that the friendships that we built can be kind of seen throughout the production.”

Senior Elise Raack also felt the influence of community on the process. “This is my first studio show, and I love the community that we have. I get to

end the year with theater, which is something I’m really happy about.”

For Mirmira, directing in Studio 200 has been a process of leading while collaborating with others. “When directing there’s a lot of saying things with confidence,” said Mirmira. “Being a leader, but also being a collaborator and not letting one of those things detract from the other.”

Nielsen hoped the shows grounded and realistic themes of community, and personal growth will be a place for people to see themselves. 

“It’s not flashy or melodramatic, it’s just real,” said Nielsen. “And I hope that everyone will see themselves in this show.”