The theater department will pull off its first fall double feature, with the shows “Too Much Memory” and “She Kills Monsters,” starting on Thursday, Nov. 29 and continuing until Monday, Dec. 3.

From fight scenes to heart wrenching situations, both shows are filled to the brim with action, drama and tragedy. In preparation of the double feature, senior Miquela Lopez, who plays the female lead character, Antigone, in “Too Much Memory,” has had to invest a lot of time into understanding her role.

“I studied a lot of Greek mythology and the history behind things in the show and the Greek tragedies,” Lopez said. “I also studied some political things of today to kind of get an idea of what my character would be fighting for.”

Those who are on stage and help produce the entire play see that acting is more than just knowing lines. Understanding the characters and having a relationship with the others on stage will make the performance more believable, rather than seeming rehearsed.

The actor playing Antigone’s love interest, Haemon, has had to dig deep to channel his confidence in order to correctly portray the feelings Haemon has for Antigone. His character continuously fights for Antigone’s love and is not willing to give up.

“You have to find a part of yourself to really play the part,” junior Yobany Pizano said. “It’s empowered me as a person just being able to play this character in the show.”

Students who have work and other activities outside of school may have difficulty committing time to one long play, so having two separate casts keeps the workload low and helps the actors focus.

“We have two different casts,” junior Jimmy Piraino said. “No one is in both shows.”

Being a talented actor can only get one halfway on stage, but a strong voice takes them to the finish line. The actors and actresses of Thursday night’s double feature need to maintain a great voice.

“Drinking tea before going up keeps your voice strong,” Piraino said. “When it’s more of an intense character, I like to get into character. We did Addams Family this year [and] on our last show, my voice just kept cracking.”

Regardless of the outcome, Lopez and the rest of the cast and crew are ecstatic to be involved in shows with powerful meanings. The performers of both shows Thursday night aim to leave the audience wanting more.

“I really believe in doing plays with a purpose so I’m excited to be able to put a message into the show we’re doing,” Lopez said. “Whether or not we have a big audience, I’m just excited to get our story out there and speak for those who don’t have a voice.”