Norah Jewett ‘25
It’s that time of year again when the Beverly High School seniors split off into the community to take part in a REACH internship or project. Students dedicate the time from the end of April to the end of May to either intern somewhere in the community or work on a project. This experience aims to explore opportunities that may result in a potential career option. Internships tend to be more geared towards this, as it is an excellent way to try out something that one may be interested in pursuing as a future job. There is also the REACH project, something that students may also undergo as a way to explore various interests and put forth something of their own creation.
Grace Checksfield is taking full advantage of that creative opportunity. For her project, she is directing her own production of William Shakespeare’s infamous Macbeth. She agreed to a Q&A, answering a few questions about her project below:
Q: What made you choose to direct a show for your REACH project? What made you choose Macbeth?
A: I chose to direct a show for my REACH project because I had seen upperclassmen do it in the past, and it seemed really fun—plus I wanted one more show with my friends! I picked Macbeth because I knew I wanted to do Shakespeare, and it’s a play that a lot of people would be interested in performing.
Q: What did the audition process look like? What drew you to cast the show the way you did?
A: The audition process was similar to that of DramaFest and Fall Play: students read different parts from sides I picked; anyone can read for any part. One of my main focuses in casting was availability: I wanted everyone to be a part of this show (I have one actor who could only come for a week of rehearsals), but I had to take schedules into account because we had so much to do in so little time. And, of course, people were cast based on my ability to imagine them in the role. Everyone is beyond talented and embodies their character perfectly!
Q: Talk a little bit about your experience thus far directing this show. Was it what you were expecting or totally something different?
A: It’s been an amazing experience, and I’ve had a great time! It was a little different what I expected—it’s a bit more work than I thought it would be. But I can’t emphasize how fun it is and how exceptional the cast and crew is.
Q: Biggest challenge?
A: Definitely any and all things related to crew. It was an area of production that I had had no experience with (save for sound, but that’s really different from everything else), and I needed a lot of help to figure out what needed to be done. But everyone was so helpful and patient with me and I have literally no idea what I’d have done without them.
Q: Favorite part?
A: Postponing my goodbye to my drama family! It’s a phenomenal group of people who I have the privilege of doing one more show with.
Q: Anything else you’d like to share?
A: Come see the show! Entrance is free, and the performance takes place on May 28th in the BHS Auditorium @ 7 PM.
Image credit: @macbeth.reach2025
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