Members of Magnolia High School Thespian Troupe #531 are currently in rehearsal for the one-act play, The Empty Chair, by Tim Kelly. The powerful script deals with the issues facing a group of teenagers following the death of one of their friends as a result of an overdose. While attending a meeting at a rehabilitation facility for adolescent substance abusers, each character must face-head on-his or her own demons, while trying to understand the loss of a friend.

Although there is only a small body of research concerning the degree to which theatrical performances affect behavior, the few studies which have been conducted indicate that adolescents are moved by performances that are realistic in their portrayals. The Empty Chair is indeed realistic. The young actors involved have attested that their characters are familiar to them. Each of the students had a personal story to tell and each had a reason for wishing to participate in the production.

The play is presented through special arrangements with Pioneer Drama Service and is under the direction of Eileen Miller. The cast includes Daniel Seavy, Kate Philp, Rachel Hoffpauir, Krysten Miller, Christian Estep, Bennet Siffrin, Sarah Goddard, Cody Hall, Mac Roberts, Anna Haught, Megan Veyon, Kyle Veyon, Alyssa Warren, and Julianne McIlvain. Tara Tharp is serving as stage manager while Lindsay Cain is handling light and sound.

The public is invited to see the production March 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the Magnolia High School Auditorium. There is no admission, but donations to the theater program are always cheerfully accepted.