The drama department is currently planning its annual International Thespian Society Conference trip while rehearsing for its spring musical “South Pacific.” Program supporter Cathie Thermond has been substitute teaching drama classes since the beginning of December while usual teacher Karin Babbitt takes a leave of absence until January 9 to recover from hip surgery.

Drama students have eagerly started working on the spring musical, “South Pacific,” and for many of them, the famous musical holds a dear place in their hearts.

“All will be revealed Dec. 1,” read numerous posters around the school in mid-November. Students were baffled as they contemplated what all the fuss could be about.

Freshman Matt Nobles opened the gate and walked up the cobblestone path to the house. He rang the doorbell and prepared himself for his mission. As the door slowly opened, an elderly man appeared. The boy reached inside his pocket and, with a practiced tone, asked, “Can I have something bigger and better than this toothpick?”

Though the name may suggest otherwise, Sunday’s No. 1 show on ABC, “Desperate Housewives,” is not a reality show meant only for housewives. It can be appealing to all mature audiences, including teens.

If you were to visit the tech crew’s room near the music rooms, the first thing you would notice is probably the loud screeching sound of wood being chopped by members of the tech crew. There would be a smell of sawdust in the air and you would see wooden planks everywhere. This is a scene from the daily life of a tech crew member.

Freshman Neesha Malik hopes to attain a reputation similar to that of recent Saratoga High graduate Jay Lee, who was renowned for his unforgettable performances.

She has performed on VH-1, MTV and Comedy Central. She worked as a stand-up comedian for 15 years and continues to entertain at fundraisers and to fight substance abuse. She has taught drama since the 1980s. To cap it off, she starred in a documentary entitled “The Last Laugh” to bring awareness to AIDS in 1991.