On Wednesday, April 23rd Rocky Mountain’s auditorium doors opened for Soild Rock’s four-day performance of “Granted”- a play written by senior student Xander Skousen. The audience watched and laughed along as two unordinary high school students, a librarian, thief, comedian, chief, and self-proclaimed knight learned powerful life lessons because of one magic lamp.
This show started out as nothing more than an idea, with Skousen writing the first draft in March of 2024. He said, “The writing process took over a year, with plenty of rewrites, and countless ideas from actors that slipped into the final product. It was a process of adaptability and inspired ideas.” The hard work paid off with standing ovations every night.
“The cheering was something I was most proud of,” Skousen said. “The spotlight finally shining on my ideas is one thing, but to actually hear the crowds yelling and cheering is something greater than anything else. It was like a confirmation that my work was nearing its end, and that it wouldn’t go unappreciated.”
Mrs. Davidson, the director of Solid Rock Theater department, usually directs plays from licensed works.
“Directing a student-written script was different than normal in that I have the writer in the room!” Davidson said. “It was very nice to be able to turn to Xander and ask clarifying questions when I needed.”
She then expressed her love for her graduating seniors, “This group of seniors is set and ready, for sure. I give them all my love and faith that all is going to work out beautifully for these wonderful people.”
Skousen’s work was what started it all, but the show was far from complete without the help of the rest of the department. Jenna Bierman, one of the seniors of Soild Rock staid, “Everything was rushed and a race to see if we would make it in time, but overall, the time that we had just made us want it even more. To prove to ourselves that we could do it in so little time. It makes us even more proud of the that we have and get to do.”
Student productions offers more than a theatrical experience. “What I love about Solid Rock, more than anything, is the fact that we are a family,” Bierman said. “We are all part of the same unit. We go through every challenge together and we get though everything together. You can never feel alone in this department. You are constantly surrounded by the people who love you and they are all you need.”
