Waiting below the stage for the opening number to finish, junior and student producer Catherine Pollock is ready to help the singer-dancers with their quick changes. While many students watch the Variety Show from the audience, Pollock is hard at work, helping cast members prepare for their acts.
Student producing is an option in every South production, and can include tasks such as monitoring auditions, taking attendance, keeping track of logistics, updating the google classroom for absent cast members, and posting on social media, Drama Director Mandi Corrao said.
“[Pollock is] the jack of all trades when it comes to behind the scenes [tasks for] the musical,” Corrao said. “She has a huge work ethic, takes initiative, and is really communicative, which is super helpful [during rehearsals].”
To be a student producer, one must complete many tasks efficiently, making sure there are no errors, Dr. Mark Maranto, Assistant Principal for Student Activities, said. Being able to listen and follow directions are just a few of the necessary skills a student producer must have.
“If I give [a task] to [Pollock], it’s done. I don’t need to worry about it again,” Maranto said.
Pollock is not only a student producer, she is also a part of over six clubs, including Flag Football, Law Club, and Yearbook, Pollock said. As a photographer and the Marketing Editor for the Yearbook, Pollack manages Instagram posts and outreach programs, such as the elective night for incoming freshmen. Making promotional flyers while helping to advertise the yearbook class and the book itself, Pollock said.
As being a committed role in all these activities, Pollock’s extracurriculars take up the majority of any leisure hours after school and on the weekends, Pollock said. Even though these activities are time consuming, Pollock still appreciates each activity and finds ways to make everything feel balanced, avoiding stress about being so busy.
“[Being a part of all these activities] is a balancing act of my time, and knowing [whether] I need to get something done versus if I can put something off,” Pollock said.
Even though Pollock is a part of many clubs, a sport, has a rigorous course load, and is a student producer, she does not feel that it is too much, and loves everything she is a part of, Pollock said.
“Everybody should try and get as involved as they can in whatever activity at [South],” Pollock said. “That’s what I’ve done and it has been one of [my best decisions].”
