The Shanksville High School Drama Club wanted to try something new over the years. The club has put on comedies, children's theater and musicals with great success.

What it hadn't done was an adult drama with a PG-13 rating.

"We decided, as a drama club, we wanted to challenge ourselves and bring something different to the community instead of what we've done for the past few years," said Caitlin Carey, a senior at the high school.

The club settled on "Rebel Without A Cause," a stage version of the 1955 film of the same name starring James Dean. The play explores many of the problems teenagers face and the role parents and society play in those problems.

While the theme is certainly thought-provoking, the script is at times violent.

School administrators, not surprisingly, took a little persuading, but students came prepared to state their case.

"Their argument made sense. They said it fit our school and presented the opportunity to teach students and the community a lesson through our drama club," said Principal Timothy Kretchman.

Administrators approved the idea with a few conditions: a disclaimer stating views presented by the play are not necessarily the views of the school district and a PG-13 rating.

"We were a little concerned. They said that we should ask children under 12 to come and we had to kind of demonstrate how school counseling has helped to eliminate school violence," said Cassandra Pearl, also a senior.

The drama club's advisor said the change of pace has been good for students and he's amazed at how well the kids have matured into their roles.

"All plays are not comedies. Adult drama is a real challenge to bring a story to life in the way that the audience is feeling the emotions of the actors on stage," said Rev. Jay Shaffer, drama club advisor.

"I hope they come away with the challenge to talk to their parents about their troubles and I hope parents walk away with new interest and enthusiasm to talk to their children about serious issues."

The play opens Friday, March 30. Half of all ticket sales will be donated to The Next Step in Somerset.

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