This year’s fall play, As You Like It, wasn’t just a standout production for Sunlake High School, it was a defining moment for junior Savanna Stewerd , whose performance and passion lit up the stage and made the show incredibly memorable. While the Forest of Arden may have been the play’s setting, for Savanna it became a second home, filled with laughter, late-night rehearsals, and the joy of creating something magical with friends.

“The show follows Rosalind who flees to the Forest of Arden with her cousin Celia after being banished by Duke Frederick. Rosalind disguises herself as a man named Ganymede, and Celia disguises herself as a shepherdess named Aliena” Savanna states. “They encounter Orlando, who also fled to the forest after being banished by his brother, and Rosalind, disguised as Ganymede, tests his love by having him act as if she were Rosalind. In the end, four couples get married and Rosalind’s father, Duke Senior, returns to his place as Duke.” Her detailed understanding of the plot showed just how invested she became in the world of the play and the characters who move through it. The way she described the story made it clear she really connected with the play and the people in it, both on and off stage.

This year, Savanna took on the role of Phebe, the fiery shepherdess whose dramatic personality adds humor and chaos to the Forest of Arden. Playing Phebe meant embracing an expressive, sharp-witted character, someone who often finds herself swooning over the wrong person and making bold declarations that shake up the story’s love triangles. Savanna’s performance brought Phebe’s dramatic flair to life, earning laughter and admiration from the audience each night.

But beyond the script and stage lights, what stood out most to Savanna was the experience of being part of the cast. She built friendships during rehearsals, shared jokes backstage, and grew more confident with every practice. “Doing the show was really fun and probably my favorite show I’ve done at Sunlake,” she said, reflecting on how much the production meant to her. For Savanna, As You Like It was more than just a fall play, it was an opportunity to grow as an actor, connect with people she cares about, and celebrate the joy of performing. As the curtains closed on closing night, she walked away with memories, pride, and a renewed love for theatre that will stay with her long after high school.