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In the skit “The Maharelle Sisters,” sophomore Kayla Russler plays Dooneese. “I like how much I’ve learned talking to KP,” she said. “I now know how to be funny on stage, which is something I didn’t know before.” Vaudeville is December 6, 7 and 8.

Every fall semester at Gibson Southern, there is one thing students can always count on happening: Gibson Southern Theatre’s production of Vaudeville. This year’s Vaudeville theme is “A Hallmark Christmas.” Though there is no official title yet, the narrators of Vaudeville will be looking to scout out a place to film their next Hallmark movie. To get the producers to pick Gibson County, theatre members will show off their talents in their pre-approved acts. This year, there are 24 acts ranging from comedy skits to group and vocal performances. 

For performances to be accepted into Vaudeville, students must create their own acts, typically over the summer, and then audition them on stage in September to Theatre Director Adam Bledsoe, Music Teacher Rob Hutchinson and Kathy Parks, a former Gibson Southern teacher and the creator of Vaudeville. They then review the auditions and decide which acts will be accepted into the show. 

“The acts were right on par with what I was expecting, and what I would like to see,” Bledsoe said. “It often depends on the performer’s age. Freshmen and sophomores who haven’t felt the pressure before aren’t as show-ready.”

Sometimes, vocal and dance performances are combined into one act or songs and choreography are changed for the show.

“I ask ‘Are you married to this song?’ because oftentimes students will pick their favorite song to sing rather than the one that is best for their vocals,”  Bledsoe said.

Once the acts are decided upon, Bledsoe prints the list of acts that will be performed in Vaudeville and places it on the bulletin board outside the auditorium. Students run out of their classrooms to see the list, to check if their acts were chosen.

“The list is usually released around lunchtime or a passing period,” Vaudeville “Linger” performer Kourtney Kitzinger said. “People go nuts over seeing if they have made it onto the cast.”

Coming up with acts, though, is another story. A lot of work goes into the skits, which in turn means that the preparation of the acts must start quickly. Junior Sydney Susott took on the task of choreographing a large group dance number titled “Surf Crazy.”

“It’s a lot of blocking and coming up with formations, [and] then I can get started with the choreography,” Susott said. “I try to make it where it’s difficult enough to where it is impressive but easy enough to where we look cohesive as a group.”

Overall, Vaudeville’s main purpose for the theatre department is to raise money for the spring musical. But, that does not mean that all involved are not enjoying every moment.

“In theatre, I have found a family and a community that has been created that is so safe and welcoming,” said International Thespian Society Vice President Brielle Armstrong. “I am really upset to be performing in Vaudeville for the last time.”

The Titans perform Vaudeville on December 6, 7 and 8. Tickets will go on sale soon and can be purchased online at https://gshstheatre.com/tickets/.

The acts that were selected for Vaudeville 2024 are as follows (in no particular order):

1. Operation Breakup
2. Van Down by the River
3. No Rain
4. A Little Wicked
5. Enter Sandman
6. Surf Crazy
7. Day-O
8. Linger
9. The Maharelle Sisters
10. Computer Says No
11. Butter On a Pop Tart
12. I Can’t Help Falling in Love
13. I Will Survive
14. All of Me
15. Baby It’s Cold Outside
16. Dysfunctional Family Game Night
17. Birds of a Feather
18. I’m Here
19. Look Like You Love Me
20. Only Us
21. Musical Theater Period 1
22. Drama Period 2
23. Drama Period 7
24. GSHS Cheer