CHS students performing in this year's play. (Image Credit: Tanis Crawford)

By Alyssa Rudolph

'THERE IS SO MUCH TALENT IN MEADOW LAKE'

Carpenter High School’s drama department heads to regional competition

Apr 6, 2026 | 1:14 PM

Carpenter High School’s (CHS) drama class will soon be headed to a regional competition in Edam with a chance to advance to the provincial stage. 

Their play, Dragon’s Lair, is a comedic fantasy performance shared by a cast of 20 Grade 9 to 12 students. 

“It’s a modern take on fairy tales. You have four dragons, which are actually businesspeople or entrepreneurs,” said Tanis Crawford, one of CHS’s drama teachers. “The fairy tale characters are delivering pitches of their products to the four dragons, similar to the popular shows, Shark Tank or Dragon’s Den.” 

CHS students performing this year’s play. (Image Credit: Tanis Crawford)

For the last three months, students have successfully taken on the role of their characters, while memorizing every line in the performance.  

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'THERE IS SO MUCH TALENT IN MEADOW LAKE'

Carpenter High School's drama department heads to regional competition

1h ago

“Part of the regional competition is that we have to follow the script exactly how it is. You’re actually marked on your accuracy to the script during the competition. The set also has to match what the script writers’ vision of the set looks like,” Crawford said.

To bring the performance to life, a Grade 11 CHS student with construction experience, built props over the winter break, ensuring they were ready in time for rehearsals.  

“The set is something pretty spectacular; it’s been carved out of trees. The chair for Robin Hood is one of the peak pieces of the set and it’s a real beauty,” said Crawford.  

Robin Hood’s chair made by a grade 11 student at CHS. (Image Credit: Tanis Crawford)

Aside from the three returning Grade 12 students, none of this year’s cast members or crew have had the opportunity to attend a drama competition. For many, the experience brings a mix of excitement and nerves, but the guidance of older classmates has helped them grow in confidence along the way. 

“There’s traditions that happen in the drama department. They have their warm-ups and their different routines that they train the Grade 9’s into that before going on stage,” Crawford explained. 

“It’s really heartwarming to see them training these new Grade 9’s that are coming up and just continuing those traditions that are strong within our drama department.” 

During the competition from April 16 to 18, six drama groups in the province will perform their plays, hoping to advance to provincials in Moose Jaw at the end of the month.  

“I cannot speak to the talent that is with this crew. When we take a look at the sheer talent we have in this cast; I would be very surprised if we don’t walk away with some acting awards if we don’t win the big prize.” 

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Alyssa.rudolph@pattisonmedia.com