Starting on February 7th, “The Curtain Never Closes” opens, directed, and written by Clear
Lake’s very own 12th grader, Will Griffithe. For the first time in school
history, a student-directed, and written play will be put on. The play was first written by Griffithe
in 2023, which went on to advance to the final rounds of the International Thespian Festival
(ITF). “The Curtain Never Closes”, is a four-person murder mystery resembling many 1940s
plays and movies in the same vein. Griffithe took inspiration from the works of the director
Edward Albee (a director from the 1960s popular for his satirical and psychological dramas).

Griffithe’s passion for playwriting and a love for movies first developed in 3rd grade, from
playing the hit video game “Lego Dimensions”. Though a seemingly random start, he reveals
that it was the character figurines, you could collect separately to add characters into the game,
that first introduced him to many staple 80s and 90s film characters. When he became fascinated
with the looks of the characters he had never heard of, his curiosity peeked which led him to
watch the films corresponding with the characters. The first older films he started watching were
“Pulpy 80s adventure films, which transitioned into the drama and action of the 70s and 90s
gangster films,” Griffithe said. Finally spiraling into a love for movies from all genres and
centuries.

As a beginner director, Griffithe chose to focus heavily on the pre-production process to
establish realistic and clear connections between the characters. During said process, he was able
to focus on the 4 characters, through drills and exercises, giving him the leeway to focus more
deeply on how each actor portrayed Griffithe’s characters. “From their mannerisms, their stride,
as well as how they interact with the other characters throughout the play,” Griffithe said.

However, though the production process was continuing at a steady pace, Griffithe was faced
with a predicament. One of the main problems that had to be dealt with were the issues of
scheduling. With theater right on the cusp of their UIL as well as resubmissions for another
competition ITF (International Thespian Festival), “the work on “The Curtain Never Closes” was
difficult to fit into the busy theater schedule,” Griffithe said. However, through persistence and
strenuous scheduling Griffithe was able to still be able to work with each actor to perfect his
vision and create memorable scenes and monologues.

Will Griffithe has been given the incredible opportunity of directing a play that he wrote, an
incredible feat that many people, especially ones in high school, could never dream of. Make
sure to catch “The Curtain Never Closes” on February 7th and 8th being held in the Theater Black Box.