EPHS students performing Trajectories show Sept. 8-9

Eden Prairie High School (EPHS) drama students are kicking off the new school year with the 38th annual Trajectories show, which is entirely student written, directed, and choreographed.

Trajectories is open to all students interested in exploring the high school’s drama program, with no cuts made in the audition process. The show allows students to showcase their creativity and also welcomes incoming ninth graders.

EPHS Performing Arts Center manager Jay Asfeld says, “Over the years we have found that it is a great way for freshmen to get involved in our drama group and has made the transition to EPHS easier.”

More than 50 students are taking part in Trajectories this year, with roles in directing, choreographing, acting, dancing, and tech. 

Junior Elizabeth Stephan is playing several roles and also choreographed one of the dances. “I enjoy being involved in the EPHS drama program because it is like a second home for me. I’ve created so many bonds with people I wouldn’t have otherwise,” she says. 

“Trajectories is special to me because it’s the first show of the year and it’s such a great introduction to the drama department as a no experience needed show that anyone can participate in.”

This will be the first high school drama performance for freshman Ella Schumacher. “I wanted to meet new people and I wanted to get involved in something that I am passionate about and love doing,” says Schumacher, who has taken part in several productions at Central Middle School and Stages Theater.

About Trajectories, Schumacher says, “It is a very inclusive show, and I hope everyone enjoys it. I am very excited. I think it’s a wonderful, incredible show, full of amazing people.”

Stephan agrees: “It’s so cool to see everything come together with all of the different elements and shows and it’s amazing to see the diversity in styles.”

Stephan says she hopes these performances will inspire and entertain the audience. “I’m hoping audiences see how hard we work to put on each and every production and that theater is a welcoming environment,” Stephan says. “I want them to leave the theater, think that it was enjoyable, and they would want to come back and see more productions.”

The two Trajectories performances are 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, Sep. 8, and Friday, Sep. 9, in the EPHS auditorium, and are open to the public. Tickets can be purchased at the performance or online. Prices are $5 for students and $7 for adults.

Featured performances are:

• “The Coterie”: Directed by Edie Berggren and Ryan Sweeney.

• “Someone In The Crowd”: Choreography by Elizabeth Stephan.

• “Indecisive Love”: Directed by Miriam Szendre.

• “The Wan and Obi”: Directed by Nathan Anderson.

• “You Don’t Own Me”: Choreography by Lily Lawinger and Averi Leoni.

• “The Investigation”: Directed by Marit Kniffen.

• “Shake It Off”: Directed by Lahari Hosur.