“Makin’ It” Dramedy Explores Surviving High School

OAKHURST — The Yosemite High School (YHS) Theater Arts Department presents the dramatic comedy Makin’ It, a play about surviving high school. Curtains rise in the YHS theater for two nights only: Thursday and Friday, Mar. 7 and 8. Performances begin at 7 p.m. and tickets are $5 for everyone.

Makin’ It follows a young woman who tries to reinvent herself to fit in with the popular kids on campus, including an art student chasing the girl of his dreams, his family with their own issues and agendas, and all of the bullies, nerds, burnouts, and jocks who inhabit high schools across the land.

Through scenes and monologues directed to the audience, we learn that even the bully has a tender heart, and the mean girl is just trying to forget that she was once the object of ridicule. The students learn that even if they don’t fulfill all of their dreams, they at least find a way to make it through the day with a smile.

Makin’ It features a cast of 26 YHS sophomores, juniors and seniors. Some of them have extensive experience at the Golden Chain Theatre in Oakhurst, or with Teena Hagerman’s Dance Theatre, but for many — this will be their first time onstage.

“It’s a little intimidating,” confesses sophomore Jacob Conti. “You can practice and practice, but when you get onstage in front of an audience you might forget everything.”

YHS sophomore Lauren Bernardi adds that she is excited to play a character that is very different from herself.

“My character cares so much about becoming popular, and that is something I don’t think about,” Lauren notes.

A portion of ticket sales will fund a scholarship given during the Community Awards night on Monday, May 13, where the mountain community gives away more than $100,000 a year to help seniors get started in life.

For more information on Makin’ It , please call (559) 683 4667.

Yosemite High School is part of the Yosemite Unified School District