Senior project takes center stage at Carson High

Caitie Berger describes her management style as laid back. Very laid back.

In fact, despite dealing with scheduling delays and still working on costumes just over a week before the first performance, Berger said she hasn't yelled at a single cast member.

"I'm not used to giving orders. I feel bad when I have to tell them they are doing something wrong," Berger said.

Berger is directing "Twinderella," a updated twist on the classic fairy tale, as her senior project at Carson High School.

"I've been in drama for four years and I've done shows where I sang, danced and acted, but I've never done one I directed. I decided to do it because I am considering a career in it and thought I should do it," Berger said.

The play centers around Bob, Cinderella's long-lost twin brother who wants to go to a baseball game.

"Twinderella" will be performed for local elementary, pre-schools and day-care centers next week with a performance for the public at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Carson City Community Center.

"I love twists and updates on classic stories, like when they take and update them. This one talks about the Internet and other modern things," Berger said.

The process started in January when Berger cast the 30 characters in the play, including the lead roles of Cinderella, played by Alicia Freeman, and her twin brother Bob, played by Ryan Wong.

The two leads, both seniors themselves, said they actually enjoy being in a play directed by a peer.

"You feel a closer relationship to a peer and can relate to what they are suggesting to you," Wong said.

In addition to managing all aspects of the performance, Berger also had to complete a research paper on the history and origins of fairy tales. Berger said the thought of doing the paper scared her more than opening night.

"That paper was so tough, I learned so much that I wanted to put in there but couldn't. It was definitely worse than getting the play ready," Berger said.

As for the origin of "Cinderella," the fairy tale her play is based on, well there's not a lot of information.

"There's actually no origin for fairy tales. They were passed on by word-of-mouth until they were written down, so there isn't really any origin," Berger said.

As for the claim of no yelling by the director, both Wong and Freeman said it's true, kind of.

"Caitie doesn't yell, but her stage manager, she yells at us so Caitie doesn't have to," Freeman said.

If you go

What: "Twinderella," senior project by Caitie Berger

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday for the public with special shows for schools, preschools and day cares 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Wednesday through Friday

Where: Carson Community Center, 851 E. William St.

Cost: Donations are accepted with a suggested amount of $3 for children and $5 for adults. Carson City School District, city and state employees will be admitted for free.

Call: 887-0438

• Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.