By Leighton Van Wagner, Staff Writer

This fall, members of the Queen’s Court Company continue to pursue their goals amid the pandemic by presenting the 2020 fall drama, Clue, virtually. 

Clue is a comedic murder mystery spin-off of the popular family board game. Six characters, based off the colored game pieces, are invited to a dinner at a mysterious mansion where a murder is committed. All of the characters must work together to determine whom amongst them is the culprit, while more people are killed as the play progresses. 

This year, the pandemic has forced the Queen’s Court Company (QCC) to get creative in their means of presentation. The cast members will perform on a zoom meeting which will subsequently be recorded and shared with the entire school community.

Virtual performance is new territory for everyone, and has created a significant challenge for QCC members. “It’s very challenging because I’ve never directed before, and the added component of the entire cast interacting via zoom, it’s a totally new and crazy experience,” said senior Haley Karinja, the assistant director and stage manager of the production. 

The play’s performance has taken on new media; however, this is not the only way the play will look different this year. There are two casts that will each be performing the same script. One cast will consist of upperclassmen, mostly seniors, while the other cast is designated for other underclassmen, aside from freshmen who have their own show. This has given more students the opportunity to participate in the fall drama since many of the behind the scenes roles such as stage crew, lighting, audio, and more were eliminated with the transition to the virtual platform.

The virtual fall drama this year has provided many technical obstacles for the cast and crew, yet there is ultimately a sense of gratitude for the play’s existence. Jenna Falconite, playing one of the leading roles as Ms. Green said, “With everything going on, I’m just grateful for the opportunity to perform, even if it’s over Zoom, rehearse with all my friends and work on such a cool show.”