Mirror photo by Rachel Foor The monster tells Conor a story about a Prince, played by Trevor Wilson (middle). In this scene, he is seen with the Queen, played by Gabrielle Beldin (left), and the Farmer’s Girl, played by Jillian Pierannunzio (right).

Altoona Area High School Drama presents “A Monster Calls,” a dramatic play based on the award-winning novel by Patrick Ness, at 7 p.m. Nov. 3 and 4 at the Altoona Area High School Auditorium.

The play features 30 high school actors on stage and the creative talents of 75 students involved backstage, said drama program and play Director Ben Cossitor.

The play centers on 13-year-old Conor, played by Greg Wenzel, and his mother, played by Jane Fox, who has raised him solo since his father moved to the United States. His mother’s illness has worsened, his grandmother won’t stop interfering and the kids at school won’t look him in the eye. One night, at seven minutes past midnight, Conor is awakened by a monster who wants to tell tales about when it walked before. When it’s finished, Conor must tell his own story and face his deepest fears.

With somber themes, this play is a departure for the drama department after a series of lighthearted productions and musicals following the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cossitor said. Michele Dugan serves as assistant director/choreographer. Ryan Longstreth is the student director.

“It was time for us to challenge ourselves to do something different,” Cossitor said in an interview preceding the final two weeks of rehearsals. “This play in particular felt like one that would connect with everyone. Our students have all experienced struggle and loss of some kind. So they were able to connect to that and it made it a powerful play for them. And I think it’s going to be a really powerful play for the audience, too.”

One message in the play is about how certain happenings in life are beyond one’s control and can’t be changed, he said.

“Conor has trouble accepting reality and the truth. That’s something we all go through when something happens to us that hurts us a lot. It’s something we can all connect to and there are things to help us deal with those times when we struggle to heal and move on. Part of that is learning it’s OK to not be OK. At the end, there’s an acceptance of reality and those feelings of loss and it’s necessary to move on and heal,” Cossitor said.

Open auditions were held in early September and rehearsals started in mid-September for the 30 on-stage actors who are supported by 75 students working backstage on sets, costumes, props and lighting and sound. He estimated the students have dedicated 100 hours to make the production curtain ready.

The cast includes: Ava Rokosky as Conor’s Grandma; Talen Turiano as Conor’s Dad; Gavin Harkins as Monster; Ethan Eisenhart, Harry; Leah St. Croix, Sully; Nick Stevenson, Antona; Laura Reed, Lily; Rayne Schraff, Miss Godfrey; Ethan Franks, Mr. Marl; and Claire Piper, Nurse.

“This has been a very challenging, but rewarding experience for our students. This show is a drama and deals with some very heavy subject matter, but it’s done in a very moving and creative way. We have had the opportunity to really think outside the box to represent the ‘monster’ in this story and the tales he tells to our struggling protagonist, Conor,” Cossitor said. He credited the student actors with rising “to the occasion and demonstrating maturity beyond their years.”

Of the 30 students in the cast, 10 have roles while the other 20 actors play in the ensemble and are “the embodiment of the monster” and help the monster tell its story and create and act out the nightmares. Members of the Ensemble are: Emily Berkheimer, Olivia Behe, Gabrielle Beldin, Cara Bolvin, Owen Carmel, Ava Conrad, Liam Diehl, Ethan Franks, Theo Kessling, Camille Krug, Emily Pentland, Ethan Peterman, Claire Piper, Jillian Pierannunzio, Baylin Smith, Gabrielle Sparacino, Alyssa Stetser, Selena Thompson, Trevor Wilson and Sophia Wise.

The cast in the first Monster’s tale are: Cara Bolvin as King, Gabrielle Beldin as Queen, Trevor Wilson as Prince and Jillian Pierannunzio as Farmer’s Girl.

The cast in the second Monster’s tale are: Owen Carmel as Parson, Camille Krug and Ava Conrad as Parson’s Daughters and Emily Berkheimer as Apothecary.

Stage managers are Bella Getty, Eli Rosenberry, Skylar Rutherford and Laila Wilkinson. Student choreographers are Emily Berkheiber and Clair Piper.

Students learn all facets of a theatrical production under the guidance of adult volunteers and staff. For instance, costuming is under the supervision of Karen Hamel, who helps the students build and sew the costumes “from scratch,” Cossitor

said. Hamel lead students Alexandria Hamel (design), Mack Callan, Sophia Feigh, Teddy Heidler, Finn Lesnikowski, Emmalee Martyak, Alaina Noel, and Julia Schmitt.

Props are by students Taylin Geist (Propmaster), Dameon Bouchard, Cassidy Clark, Chassity Greenwood, Laney Ross, Leigha Short and Lydia Wise under the guidance of Lucy Craig.

Scenic design is by Cossitor and Steve Smith and set painting/construction by Dave Borst and Steve Smith, Caleb Marasco, and Jennifer Dublois and assisted by these students:

Set Construction — Carmen Stevanus, Alex Brumm, Savannah Huss, Daniel Kelley, Evan McGuire, Adrielle McNeal, Marina Myers, Mackenzie Smith; 6th Period Set Design Class: Owen Carmel, Silas Chirdon, Jackie Dalton, David DelFosse, Stayley Drenning, Ethan Eisenhart, Jordyn Fratangeli, Leah Garman, Hailey Gibala, Kirra Klein, Rayne Schraff, Carmen Stevanus

Set Painting by Stayley Drenning, Charles Dantos, Myla Drenning, Michaela Etters, Griffin Hollen, Nyah Hughes-Thaxton, Lucie Jones, Madalyn Miller, Kaiden Persing, Sofia Saracoglu, Arieana Scriver, Kiera Stoltenberg, and Addison Wilson.

Hair/Makeup by Lakin Coley, Emma Lang, Kendy Lechner, Morgan Stellabotte, and Carissa Zeigler.

Stage Crew — Ruth Cron, Arrow Kelly, Jorja Kimball, Payge Lamborn, Adrielle McNeal, Lydia Miller, Ellie Oster, Avery Reimer; Lights — Joshua Miller, Cider Ayala, Alexis Fraundorfer, Emma Lunglhofer; Sound- Attison Batten, Tommy Ford, Rowan McCusker and Publicity/Broadcasting — Ava Cabell, Avery Reimer

Staff include: Cossitor handles lighting and sound technology. Jacob Wilt serves as acting coach, Anne Diminick as lifting choreographer, Dave Borst as technical director; Melinda Fellabaum is stage management advisor; Nancy Wonderly, poster/program design; Chuck Meyers of Two 20 Studios took production photos and Brenda Lenning serves as box office/usher coordinator.

Mirror Staff Writer Patt Keith is at 814-949-7030.