Behind the Scenes of Vistamar’s Fall Play: Robin Hood

Lilah Schulte,

The cast and crew of Robin Hood worked hard to produce Vistamar’s 2024-2025 fall play. The performances on November 7th, 8th, and 9th included about an hour of epic fights, a dance, and heart wrenching scenes. The story of Robin Hood takes place in Sherwood Forest and follows characters such as Robin, Much, Little John, and Will Scarlet as they rob from the rich to give to the poor. They battle the Sheriff of Nottingham who works for the unliked Prince John. Meanwhile a young woman named Marian is torn between her loyalties and her heart. 

For some behind the scenes coverage, I interviewed some of my fellow cast members and set designers:

Cast: 

Kara Helmstetter 26’ (Marian):

  1. In your opinion, why is Robin Hood such an important/impactful play?

Robin Hood has such an important message. I think my favorite part is how Robin Hood looks out for his community. He helps others out when they need it and I think that is such an amazing trait.

  1. What is your favorite part about tech week? (Extended rehearsals leading up to the show where technical elements are implemented.)

My favorite part of tech week is spending time with everyone and seeing the show come together. 

  1. What has been your favorite memory from rehearsals?

My favorite memory from rehearsal is when we rehearsed on a Sunday and we spent so much time together. I loved working on the show with everyone and also getting to talk about random things.

Summer Jordan 28’ (Prince John, King Richard, Soldier, Beggar 3):

  1. In your opinion, why is Robin Hood such an important/impactful play?

I think Robin Hood is important because we still find some of the issues featured in the play in modern society. There is still sexism, people starving and corrupt rulers. Robin Hood comments on these issues by providing a commentary on them; Much’s dad had no choice when hunting the deer, he says it himself “we can’t live on grass,” Marian is still thought to be lesser than the sheriff, and Prince John literally bathes in gold. It’s a comedic play but it touches on very real and very present problems.

  1. What is your favorite part about tech week? (Extended rehearsals leading up to the show where technical elements are implemented.)

The dress rehearsals and running the play with costumes and props and really seeing the show come together.

  1. What has been your favorite memory from rehearsals?

Running lines at lunch with the cast!

Set Designers:

John Campbell 28’:

  1. What has been your favorite part about designing the set for Robin Hood?

Designing the castle and tree and making the set flow with the world of Robin Hood without any set changes.

  1. What has been the most challenging part about designing the set for Robin Hood?

Creating the set so that the world feels combined and not separated.

  1. What has been your favorite design?

My favorite design has been the castle. It has been very interesting to design and find ways to be creative with our limited resources.

Luke Aimaro 27’ (Set Designer):

  1. What has been your favorite part about designing the set for Robin Hood?

My favorite part of designing the set is letting my mind be creative as much as possible and collaborating with others. 

  1. What has been the most challenging part about designing the set for Robin Hood?

The most challenging part about designing the set was agreeing on what the set looks like. Also building what was on paper was pretty hard. 

  1. What has been your favorite design?

My favorite design was the tree and the castle. We put so much good work into it and it turned out great! I couldn’t have done it without my team.

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