New Drama Teacher Sets the Stage

After another successful show, previous theater director Sara Noah and the graduating class of 2025 took their final bows on the set of The Tempest.

But for many students in Noah’s Professional Theater class, when the curtain came down, there was fear that it may be for the last time. Students speculated that after Noah’s retirement, the class may not be offered again due to lack of interest.

Despite this concern, Bear River’s theater department has expanded to accommodate 21 actors, including 10 students new to the class, and a new theater teacher, Carey McCray, hired after the departure of Noah.

McCray is determined to keep the spirit of the art alive at Bear River, as well as maintain the bonds between students in the program. With years of experience behind her, such as studying theater in New York, and beginning her own theater company, McCray is ready to work with the aspiring actors of Bear River.

“I think performing arts help us understand ourselves, and understand each other a lot better. It helps us step into different people’s shoes and imagine what life’s like when it’s not just coming from our perspective,” McCray said.

Returning student, sophomore Gracie Trevethick, is going into her second year of theater at Bear River.

“(Theater), it’s what keeps me going. It’s what excites me most through the day, because I’m like, ‘tomorrow’s an odd day, and you have theater!’” Trevethick said, “I guess I would’ve felt kind of empty inside if it wasn’t offered, because I really love it.” Lenna DeCima, a sophomore, is one of the many students new to the class, and emphasizes the importance of performing arts in high school.

“I think one of the most important things in life is art, and being able to express yourself,” DeCima said. “And the theater definitely falls under that. I think it’s a safe space for a lot of people because you kind of get to step out of yourself for a moment, and be somebody else.”

One of McCray’s goals in expanding the theater is reintroducing musicals to Bear River.

“I talked to Ms. Petrie, and since we need a musical director, next year will probably be the earliest (for musicals),” McCray said. “I’m excited to bring musicals here, that feels really important to me, and that’s a big part of how I want to expand the program.”

With the implementation of musicals, and restarting the school’s Drama Club, McCray voices a hope that the theater department will soon have something for everyone.

“I’m really hoping that we can have theater classes happening every period,” McCray shared. “I’d really love for Bear River to be a really vibrant art school in addition to all the stuff that’s already happening here.”