Students Rise to a Sorkin-Sized Challenge

This year’s Upper School dramatic production may be best summed up in one small word: “Big.” With an expansive set, a large ensemble cast with some support from Havergal students, and the type of galloping pace you’d expect from Aaron Sorkin, The Farnsworth Invention—about the race to invent television between visionary inventor Philo T. Farnsworth and media mogul David Sarnoff—wowed audiences from December 4 to 6.

“Farnsworth was different—it was a large cast, which offered me the opportunity to give roles to all the students who wanted to participate,” says Director of the Arts Godric Latimer-Kim. “Aaron Sorkin is a challenging writer, and his work offers actors of all experience levels a high degree of opportunity and rigour. With this piece, I had high expectations of my students, and I found it exciting to challenge them.”

A production of that size required a steady hand from the stage manager, and Oscar Yeung ’26 was ready to serve. He called the show, directing technical and scenic cues, and took on other tasks like designing the lighting and helping with set design and construction. He also kept his actors and crew informed and prepared week after week through reminder emails and messages. “ I've been an assistant stage manager before, but this was a big leap,” says Yeung. “I knew I had to work hard and ensure we put on the best possible show.”

Yeung described the jitters he felt in the early days of planning the production, wondering how they would pull it off. Latimer-Kim agreed: “ There's so much that happens behind the scenes, coordinating the cast, and working out costumes and technical elements.” The production took shape, and the ensemble of actors was ready for opening night. 

With graduation on the horizon, Yeung has been reflecting on the plays he’s been involved with over the years and the friendships he’s developed with other cast and crew. “I feel as though I know these guys now, and I’ve seen them grow in their skill and talent.”