Check out that high school student. That’s him walking across campus, heavy backpack weighing down both his shoulders, textbook in one hand and last night’s homework in the other. He’s just an average high school student.

He has hobbies and extracurriculars, he’s gotten a demerit or two. He has to wake up early in the morning, has to be in class by 7:30. He faces stress, created by everything from the expectations of parents to fitting in with other students. Like most other teens his age, he also has a secret. He wishes he could tell people his precious secret and unveil who he really is, but he’s afraid of what others might think. Can you relate?

This student isn’t very different from the students at Wayland High School or from the characters in The Ballad of High School, which made its debut in the new black box theater, L1, on Wednesday, March 29th. Through the use of prerecorded video, live acting, music, and dance, The Ballad of High School tells a panoply of stories from everyday American high school students.

Starting with a video that includes cast members as well as other students at Wayland High School, The Ballad of High School displays and examines the struggles of students from every clique, grade and stereotype. In a series of monologues, characters express frustrations with their parents, friends, grades, college, siblings, relationships, sexuality, fears and self-identity. In addition, sensitive topics such as hate crimes and public opinion are also scrutinized.

“My monologue fit with Robin Levy’s,” said cast member and senior Sophie Hadingham. “We tried to discuss hate crimes that happen very often in high schools in a way that wasn’t melodramatic like an after school special. We did this so people would pay attention to our message, rather than the shock value of what we are saying.”

Each character has a different story to tell, and although there is a wide range of problems and conflicts represented, the audience is able to relate to each and every character. Without a doubt, every student and adult in the audience could identify with the conflicts presented: when their parents disagreed with their decisions; when they felt like they had to meet other people’s expectations; when they prayed for a crush to notice them; or when they simply wanted to fit in.

“I think it was inspirational because it pushes teenagers to take off the mask and be themselves,” said junior Sasha Pansovoy, who saw the play Saturday night. “ I’ve seen kids who will act a certain way and not be themselves one hundred percent of the time.”

Not only did the cast display their acting skills, but their musical talent shined as well. In addition to instruments such as violin, piano, and percussion, catchy tunes such as “Lime Tree” by Trevor Hall were played on guitar and sung by members of the cast, giving the show an upbeat and lively tone.

Characters reach out to grasp the audience’s heart, linking their emotions and experiences. “I think [the show gave] the audience insight into the experiences high schoolers have during this time in their lives,” said Mrs. Wolfson, the Academic Center director who can’t stop singing the “Lime Tree.” “I thought it was a great ensemble piece, creative, real and allowed everyone to shine.”

“The music is alternative and indie,” agreed cast members Hadingham, Mike Gentilucci, and Amanda Whittaker. It was the music that drew the show to a close as cast members and audience alike joined together in song and file out of the black box theater, congregating outside the fine arts building.

Cast members Patricia Akrivoulis and Danielle Barrett both had high hopes that the audience would take away important lessons about high school. “I wanted the community to see what high school is really like for our generation,” said Akrivoulis. Barrett added, “I wanted the audience to leave the show with the sense that we are all united.”