With so many organizations available to students, some groups go unheard of through the duration of the year. One of the clubs that flies under the radar is a group of student critics called the Cappies.

The Cappies made their entrance into Central in 2008. The group consists of nine students who travel to other schools to review their theater productions. Members are required to review five performances per year. The Cappie leaders pick three of the five shows to see as a group.

Members are allowed to see the other two shows by themselves or with other Cappies. This year, leaders Emma Rechenberg and Mia Kweskin, both juniors, chose the group performances to be “Arsenic and Old Lace” at Pattonville High School, “Phantom of the Opera” at Nerinx Hall and “Footloose” at Clayton.

“It’s interesting to see other people’s opinions. I love the discussion sessions we have during intermission,” Rechenberg said.

After the performance, Cappie members have only a day or two to submit their reviews online through Cappies Information Service.  All reviews are sent to the school performing the show.

The organization sends an e-mail to those who have been chosen for professional publications.  Many students have had the opportunity to be published in publications such as the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Patch.com, St. Louis Beacon and Showbiz Radio.

“It’s very unique because if you are chosen that means your writing is good and professional.  It is nice to see that other people can see your reviews as well,” junior Ivan Miller said.

Along with the honor of being published, the Cappies provide a way for students to interact with kids at their school and at others. Sophomore Matthew Greenbaum feels that meeting other teens is definitely a benefit to being part of the group.

“My favorite part of the Cappies is making new friends and getting to see other schools do what they love. It’s a nice experience,” Greenbaum said.

According to Greenbaum, the group has a nice, low-stress environment that gives students a new view of the theater. He encourages students who are interested in theater to join because it’s a way to see different variations of the theater.

“[Cappies] are important because it’s a good way to get involved in theater. Kids tell me they want to join the theater, but don’t know where to start. Cappies is a good place for them,” Greenbaum said.

In order to be a Cappie, students must have a passion for both writing and the theater. However, according to Rechenberg, being a Cappie is more of a dedication requirement. Miller agrees, adding that being a Cappie also requires good writing skills.

“You don’t want logical writing, you want creativity. My writing has improved since joining the Cappies. If I hadn’t joined, I probably wouldn’t be writing anything creative at all,” Miller said.

At the end of the school year, Cappies critics nominate actors and actresses from various schools for different categories. The winners of these categories are announced at a gala held at the end of the year. Central has had 16 winners since the organization first began here. This year the gala will be held at Missouri Baptist University on May 19. Central has 22 nominations this year (see page 3).

“It is a great organization to celebrate and take note of,” Rechenberg said.”It’s a chance to see how great student performers are.”