After a successful fall production, the Munster Theater Company is preparing for their annual contest show. The show, titled “The Cages We Build,” contains themes of self-sabotage and domestic violence.

“The biggest theme of the show is that, despite what other people have told you about your life, it is solely up to you because no one else can tell you how to live,” senior Logan Hayes said.

The play follows the story of Dean, the main character, when his parents get divorced. He is very negatively impacted by the divorce and shuts himself away from society. Mental health issues associated with neglect and how they affect young people are brought into question.

“You really have to consider how a real person would be affected by this scenario,” Hayes said.

Actors prepare to ensure each role is played accurately and with authenticity so that their show can be a success.

“You have to look at each [line] and be like: what emotions, what thoughts are being experienced here?” Hayes said. “How can I make this realistic as opposed to just acting this out?”

MTC students hope that the audience will view this play with an open mind and understand the true meaning behind its themes.

“I want the audience, after they leave the show, to maybe feel some hope,” freshman Mary Kramer said. “Maybe, if they see themselves or a specific person and they know anything in general about what they saw, they’ll leave the theater with some sense of hope [and] understanding that this is something global.”

After 4 victorious years of winning first place at contest shows, the Munster Theater Company strives to win for the fifth year in a row and make it to state.

“I really want to make everyone proud,” freshman Everly Chamberlain said. “I have to remember that everyone in this group is really talented and supportive, and as long as I try my best, the drive will carry me there.”