Kleyn-Kennedy: More drama emerges at Clovis High

Teen years are known to be filled with drama, and I recently came across some pretty serious drama at Clovis High School. This drama, however, was the productive sort, contained in the CHS drama classes.

Arriving at Crystal Benfield’s drama classroom, small groups of students were clustered in intense discussions of character and motivation; plot and other things I couldn’t quite make out. Benfield wandered among groups, listening, offering comments.

When she joined me for a chat, she said, “We’re working on competition pieces at present, a one-act play for the upcoming ‘Drama Fest’ at Eastern New Mexico University. Last year we won Best Special Effects Makeup, and we’re excited to go back.”

Mid-conversation a student popped in and headed for Benfield for a friendly exchange, just back from a choir trip. Senior Zachary Romero was clearly pleased to be there and when asked about the class, he elaborated enthusiastically about all the positives from drama classes.

Another student, Julee Hernandez chimed in about how much she liked her drama class. “At first I was really quiet, but now I don’t have any trouble speaking in front of others. I’d recommend this class to other students for sure. If I have any problems, I know I can go to my teacher.”

Benfield continued: “We want to provide an environment where kids feel they belong and to create art that is relevant to their lives, and I think we’re accomplishing this.”

Another project in the works is a one-act play called “Box” by Lindsay Price. This is the second play of hers they’ve done. Last year, in fact, they were able to address issues through a Skype session with Price, when students hit a wall. Benfield described, “She provided them with inspiration, encouragement, ideas, and answered any questions students had.”

With a view to creating a more positive school culture, “Box” is a series of vignettes that explores the boxes we find — or put — ourselves in, whether by ourselves, society, parents, friends, or others. Exploring stereotypes, it questions how they affect us and discusses acceptance of ourselves and others.

Benfield continued: “It’s a great mix of poignant and funny. I have such a great group of kids, and I’m so excited that they’ve embraced this challenge, and are willing to put themselves out there and be vulnerable in the name of positive change.”

What a great way to deal with some of the challenges teens face these days: head on.

Cindy Kleyn-Kennedy is the instructional technology coordinator for the Clovis Municipal Schools. She can be reached at: [email protected]