Just in time for Halloween, the Rocklin High School theater’s production of Depravata is sure to spook and thrill students and community members alike.

After months of preparation, from building sets, creating costumes and constant rehearsing, the theater presents perhaps one of its most unique shows to date. Filled with twists and turns, the show centers on a group of students at a carnival, who stumble upon a series of unexpected occurrences.

According to Kelsey Rosenburg, a member of the stage crew, Depravata is different because
“It’s intense and the overall tone is really creepy. It is probably the darkest play we’ve put on, and even though it’s fiction, the conflict is real and relatable.”

Depravata’s quality is thanks to the hard work of the countless individuals involved. The play has been in the works since last school year, with the Theatre 4 class of 2013 collaborating to write the script. This year, students have been working since August to perfect the show.

“Few people understand the amount of energy that goes into producing plays,” says Belle Maalouf, who portrays the Ringleader. “We have rehearsal just about every day and it can be exhausting, especially when you’re single-casted. It’s a lot of hard work, but in the end it’s all worth it.”

Cast and crew alike have diligently kept the details of the show under wraps, so to prevent spoilers, but there has been a consensus that Depravata is sure to shock, scare, and entertain the audience.

Cast member Melissa Sartain emphasizes this point. Sartain, who has participated in every Rocklin High School production since her freshman year, stresses that Depravata is special.

“It has a very cool concept and it’s a show with a creepy factor,” says Sartain. “Tickets aren’t very expensive, and it’s often hard to come by a play that can really scare you. This one does. It’s ‘the greatest show on earth!’”

To be thoroughly spooked and entertained this fall, be sure to catch Depravata on 10/30, 11/2, 11/6, 11/7 and 11/9 at 7:00 and on 11/2 at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $5 with an an ASB card, and $6 without.