By Josephine Hinderman
Contributing Writer
This weekend, the Bay Port High School Theater program will be presenting its fall play, Fair Exchange — a play that follows the young, plain daughter of a beautiful mother after an artifact in their collection causes them to switch bodies.
Director and English Teacher Jaclyn Beattie explained, “The story takes place in the nineties and it is about a family who runs an antique dealership. Unfortunately, the father of the family has been missing for a year and this has put a strain on the mother and her daughters. The mother and her teenage daughter are as different as two people can be, so you can imagine the impact when a strange African artifact causes them to switch bodies! They decide to keep it a secret and try to figure out how to get things back to normal, but only a special tribal ceremony will save the day.”
More than 60 Bay Port High School students have been involved in the production of Fair Exchange.
“The best part of working on this play is by far working with the amazingly talented students,” Beattie said. “It is an incredible opportunity to be able to watch young adults take something on and create an experience that can be enjoyed by anyone.”
Being a part of the performing arts or being involved in a play gives students the opportunity to express themselves in a completely safe environment,” Beattie said. “I am always amazed at how we truly become a sort of family while working on the show and it is a place where students can develop their talent without fear of being judged or ridiculed. The support among cast and crew members is something that makes the long hours so worthwhile! Participating in the performing arts is such a nice way to escape from reality! A student who gets involved is able to create something completely unique which boosts self-confidence and self-assurance. And while doing this, a student can form solid friendships and bonds with others that enjoy the same thing.”
Beattie expressed an enthusiasm that people come out to support the play.
“Come on out and watch and support our students that’ve been involved in this production,” she said.
Tickets are still available to purchase, and can be purchased online at vancoevents.com/CALQ.
Beattie also suggests people be on the look-out for future Bay Port performances, exclaiming, “Keep an eye out for Bay Port High School’s Spring Musical… It’s going to be announced soon!”
Bay Port High School will be performing Fair Exchange Oct. 26, 27 and 28 at 7 p.m. at the Bay Port Performing Arts Center (PAC).
More information about the play and the Bay Port High School Theater program can be found at bayport.hssdschools.org/about-us/pac