Quit playing and join the school play.

The theater department has a packed schedule and lots to do.

“We are constantly doing something,” theater teacher Barbara Hilt said. “If you have any interest in theater or just hanging out with a group of really great students, come to one of our meetings and see what we are about. There is always something you can be a part of.¨

Hilt teaches a few classes that can help students get involved in theater during school. Students can join tech theater, repertory theater or theater arts. If students haven’t done any type of theater before, she recommends trying theater arts.

Rehearsals are every day from 3-5 p.m. Activities also include “Fun Fridays” with games and snacks.

Salina Central’s theater group (also known as Troupe 639) has a performance approaching. Its first show of the school year is “Children’s Hour,” which will be presented on Sept. 30.

Up next will be “The Explorers Club.” Both shows have already been cast and had lots of people at the auditions, Hilt said.

¨I was really excited to see everybody who came out and auditioned, even though I wasn’t able to cast everybody,” she said.

Auditions are cold reads which means the material has not been read before.

¨Most of the time when I have auditions I have the material there,¨ Hilt said. ¨You don’t necessarily have to prepare for anything, because that can be really intimidating.¨

For the students who are not quite ready to be in the spotlight they can join one of the many jobs backstage. Students can help build props, build scenery, make costumes, run sound or light, do makeup or hair, or help with quick changes.

“If you want to be involved,” Hilt said, “you should come and join us for our meetings on the second Tuesday of every month.”