After winter vacation, WHS students will have a new school, and that means a new theater. Although the new theater has many technological advancements and advantages, many students, graduates and teachers are sad to see the end of the Little Theater.

“I will especially miss just knowing that I could go back and visit it because now I won’t be able to go back, and it was such a part of my life,” said Laine Winokur, class of 2008.

Winokur spent all four years of her high school career at Wayland and was an active member of the Wayland High School Theater Ensemble (WHSTE).

Seth Lifland, class of 2011, has similar memories.

“I’m going to miss the people and Mr. Weingartner,” said Lifland  “Working on shows was really fun because everyone was really devoted. One of my best memories is the day we decided to do a scene from Seussical outside the Little Theater. It was the first experience in high school theater when I thought, ‘Wow this is really astounding.’”

Current students as well as graduates will miss the Little Theater.

“I’m never going to forget the feeling you get when you first walk onto the stage for Window, and you hear everyone clapping,” said senior Ariel Cormier. “There’s nothing better than hearing that and seeing your friends in the front row.”

Senior Anna Sharry will also miss the Little Theater, but is looking forward to a brand new one.

“I think overall the new theater will be better with more seating and just better technology,” said Sharry. “But the Little Theater will definitely be missed.”

Even drama teacher Richard Weingartner will miss parts of the Little Theater.

“The Little Theater always felt a little haunted,” said Weingartner. “I think I’ll miss all the voices resonating. It is a unique environment; we take it for granted.”