Alvin M. Keeling 
The actors performing on stage aren’t the only students learning skills in the Okawville High Drama Club’s production of “Mamma Mia.”
Students behind the sound system, video recording and lighting are also learning theater technology, technical director Fred Klapetzky said.
“That skill opens doors for college scholarships,” he said. “Finding actors and singers is much easier than finding people who can do sound, recording and lighting,” he said.
Although Klapetzky did not see Okawville graduates pursue careers in this field, he did see many students go into technology/engineering careers.
Skills learned in theater such as spatial awareness, learning analog and digital technology, practical application of theory, ability to discern practical application of theory i.e. hearing and knowing what doesn’t sound right, transfer to technology and engineering training.
Klapetzky volunteered at the Drama Club for about 20 years. He came on board when former directors Jane Ford and Carol Brockmann asked him to help with their productions.
Klapetzky attends most practices and even organizes trips with his company, A Going Concern, around the game schedule.
Music Director Amy Welch appreciates AV volunteers. “Fred and his band are incredibly essential to our show,” she said. “Without them, we couldn’t produce such a fantastic show!”
Ownership of the lighting, sound system, and video recording systems is a mix of the Unity School District, Zion United Church of Christ in Addieville, and Klapetzky. “It’s good to have multiple uses because of the investment,” he said.
Assistant Gared Seats participates in the final week of rehearsals and performances. He is the video producer for Zion’s live streams and was enlisted to help with the school.
The 2006 Okawville High graduate who works in cybersecurity from his home in rural Nashville says he is happy to have the opportunity to give back to school. He also likes to see the productions. “The talent at this little school is phenomenal,” he said.
Senior Kyle Schwab and his brother, Ryan, a freshman, and Joey Kinzel are in the spotlight. Sara Cook, the student technical manager, manages the audio system, music tracks, and helps train anyone attending Tech Crew.
Mamma MiaCast
Bella Welch – Donna
Madi Wienstroer – Rosie
Megan Rennegarbe – Tanya
Maci Loup – Sophia
Ellie Frederking – Lisa
Hannah Miller – Ali
Jared Juenger – Sam
Jacob Funk – Harry
Rylan Nelson – Bill
Thor Gavin – Sky
Bennett Krohne – Pepper
Calvin Maynard – Eddie
Chorus
Paige Riechmann, Lynssie Talley, Annie Culli, Ady Harre, Taylor Hettenhausen, Mallory Bening, Maggie Sawicki, Tyne Moore, Laura Cook, Jenna Hackstadt, Caleigh Friedrich, Claire Dulle, Paige Kolweier, Madi Epplin, Payton Meier, Kaylyn Cragen, Madison Gogolek, KateLyn Borrenpohl, Caroline Tepe, Lily Helbig, Alexis Jarden Maddie Rennegarbe, Grant Moody, Isaiah Auer
Crew members
Stage manager and student: Sarah Cook.
Student Lighting Manager Kyle Schwab
Lightweight Team: Joey Kinzel, Ryan Schwab
Makeup: Courtney Klasing
Choreographer: Caleigh Friedrich
Backstage managers: Jordyn Heckert, Briley Rhodes
Behind the scenes team: Braxton Rennegarbe, Rylan Senior
Director: Amy Welch
Technical Director Fred Klapsetzky
Deputy Musical Director Mary Niemeyer
Tickets for Saturday and Sunday can be purchased at the door or on the Drama Club FB page. Friday is full.
