Arviat (Dec 06/06) - There can be a dramatic difference in how student actors approach a new script or an old favourite.

The Arviat students' theatrical troupe is in full production for this year's Christmas play.

The troupe is tapping into the wonderful world of Snoopy and company for the first time this year.

Drama teacher Gord Billard says teaching students their lines and getting their timing down pat is more challenging with a new play, especially one every student may not be familiar with.

He says that can be more pronounced when doing a play in which the language for the main characters is quite extensive.

"That can have some of the kids needing a bit longer to get used to the lines and pick up on their character," says Billard.

"But, our turnout has been great.

"I've had about 20 to 30 kids coming out for rehearsal since we began and the play only has 11 roles."

Billard is using a different approach with the new play than he would with a production like A Thanksgiving to Remember, which has been done four times in Arviat.

He says with plays most of the audience already knows, constant tinkering is needed to keep it fresh.

"With the Thanksgiving play, the price of a hockey stick has gone up quite a bit over the years, so we adjusted that in the script and now refer to it as a Jordin Tootoo stick, which also helps keep the script up to date.

"Subtle little changes do help keep the piece fresh for both the cast and the audience.

"But, it does become more of a challenge to have the kids see something different each time we perform it and that's, arguably, even more important for the audience.

"It's a challenge to make a show they've all ready seen feel new to an audience."

Billard says the younger kids in Arviat are still very much into drama, and the majority of those coming out are junior high students.

He says as kids reach Grade 9 or 10, they're not as anxious to be on stage.

"Their inhibitions take over their desire to perform, whereas the young kids are still at the stage where they like to play act and have a bit of fun with things.

"But, what you lose in experience you make up for with the energy levels of the younger kids and their willingness to become someone entirely different on stage.

"The challenge I face is to come up with a magic script so appealing to the older students that their desire to be involved overcomes their inhibitions.

"Until then, the younger kids will continue to make the shows go forward, and enthusiastically so."