COLD LAKE - Cold Lake Junior High’s Drama Club took to the stage with their production of Dr. Experimentor’s League of Evil, a story of a conflicted supervillain and his best friend-turned-nemesis, on Dec. 11.
The play was a hit with the community, showcasing not only the students’ acting skills but also the life lessons and teamwork fostered through drama.
The story centers on Dr. Experimentor, a mastermind villain, and his best friend, superhero Extremo. Despite their camaraderie, Dr. Experimentor faces pressure to lock up Extremo or lose his standing in the League of Evil. Armed with robots, ninjas, and an array of inventions, the plot dives into themes of identity and friendship.
Students step into the spotlight
For the students involved, the play wasn’t just about entertainment - it was an opportunity for personal growth and teamwork.
Sharing how the drama club has transformed her confidence, student Aubrey Evanson, who played Dr. Experimentor, said, “When I first got into school, I was really closed off person. I didn't talk too much, and getting into a drama group and acting has definitely let me come out of my shell, not only performing and acting as a different character, but being able to express my own emotions, and being able to even just having this group of people that you can relate to and having similarities.”
Gabrainna Stewart-Skani, who played Major Marjorie Mayhem, echoed this sentiment, saying, “It’s an after-school type of thing that we all just choose to do and something we all enjoy. I’ve learned to work together with people. It taught me to be more outgoing and that other people’s thoughts [about me] don’t matter.”
Easton Elliot, who played Extremo, highlighted how drama club also builds public speaking skills. “Public speaking and just overall acting - those are things I’ve improved on. With performances like this, it’s nice for parents to see what their kids have been doing. It gives parents more hands-on insight into why [their kids] love this club.”
Walter Lutter, the sound technician for the production, reflected on his backstage experience, saying, “I really learned how to work more with tech . . . I knew how to do it before, but I really learned a lot and I'm probably going to get to learn more and hopefully I land something good in the future.”
He explained that he learned the importance of collaboration, emphasizing the value of communicating and working together as a team, rather than completing tasks independently.
A director's trust in her students
The play was entirely student-run during showtime, with no adults backstage. Katie Mack, co-director of the play described the process.
“It’s a student-run production. We train them, and then we let them loose. By show week, they should know what to do, and we sit with the audience. It’s been an exercise in trust, and they stepped up.”
Teacher-director Aimee Alger also emphasized the life skills gained through the drama club.
“It's personal responsibility. It is taking ownership for what you take on. It is knowing that you have an expectation to not only yourself, but to your entire castmate being responsible for a team.”
She added, “If this sinks or swims, it's because of you guys. If it goes off without a hitch, it's because of what you did.”
Alger highlighted the confidence building nature of the arts, noting how it fosters empathy, respect, and a growing sense of community.
“We started with a very small cast, maybe 15 kids, and now we’re close to 60,” she said, adding, drama creates a welcoming space for everyone, offering a sense of belonging even for those who don’t act or play sports.
“There’s a place for you here."
