Out of My Mind
at Riverside High School

Reviewed on May 15, 2021

Edie Obernberger
Chantilly High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

Decisions: a constant, integral part of life, they often carry with them one great fear--what if we make the wrong choice? How can we know what's right or wrong? In an inspiring display of self-discovery, Riverside High School's original performance of Out of My Mind revealed that, once we focus on ourselves, everything else will fall into place.

Fully written and directed by Riverside's Theatre Arts 3 students, Out of My Mind centers on one young woman as they make the choice to go to therapy. From breakups to familial resentment, they finally confronts and resolves the inner challenges that have been holding them back.

As a person going through immense self-reflection, Victoria (Olivia Miniuk) experienced great development throughout the show. With an impressive display of emotional range, Miniuk captured that whirlwind of change well--from the growth of volume when suppressed anger arose to the final breakdown when the realization of a messed up childhood hit, they revealed the inner turmoil that comes with the darker parts of life. Providing a grounding contrast of calm was Victoria's therapist, Benny (Rohan Jaiswal). Jaiswal consistently provided a feeling of comfort by attentively leaning forward, nodding, and taking notes, giving a feeling of constancy that is so important in a therapist and was a great foil to Miniuk's overflow of emotion. Together, they created a solid base to the show that was always nice to come back to.

Expanding on this base were widely diverse actors, bringing to each of their scenes a new energy and spice that truly brought the show to life. Victoria's mother (Danielle Webb) especially stood out. Always doing some background action, from painting to cooking, Webb conveyed the business and care of their character, while also giving the impression that they were too busy for Victoria. This simultaneously illustrated a more realistic home and provided foreshadowing for the neglect Victoria would later reveal, displaying true thought on Webb's part that brought the show to the next level. With both talented lead and supporting actors, each scene was entertaining and different, providing a very well-rounded show.

Especially as it was performed over zoom, the technical elements were essential to keep the show running smoothly. With a continuity team (Alex Footen and Natalia Fernandez-Davila Parades) the lighting and sound were consistent throughout the show--a feat very difficult to accomplish virtually, as all the actors recorded from their homes. All the actors were heard clearly and had good sound levels, and everybody was very well lit with exceptions for purposefully dark characters. This technical success is even more impressive considering that it was done completely by the actors themselves--they tied the show together very well, working from on their home stage and off.

From the search for the right chair to the search for the right life partner, Riverside's innovative and captivating performance of Out of My Mind gives us this simple, but ever true, reminder: the search for anything can be accomplished by first finding ourselves.

Emma Barnes
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

Therapy means something different to nearly everyone. For some, it conjures the image of a reclined couch and Sigmund Freud. Others may imagine an out-of-touch doctor who can diagnose their patient with any number of mental illnesses even before saying hello. However, Out of My Mind, performed by Riverside High School, revealed that therapy can be an energizing, compassionate experience.

Out of My Mind was written by Riverside students Aadi Sinha, Rohan Jaiswal, Hailee Blublaugh, and Zach Robinson. The show was a project for Riverside's Theatre Performing Arts III class, allowing them an opportunity to practice their acting skills in the medium of film. It follows Victoria Emerson (Olivia Miniuk), a young adult working in the film industry, as they face relationship problems and seek out therapy. Despite facing stigma for this decision, Victoria works with their therapist Benny to become happier and healthier.

Rohan Jaiswal as the eccentric Benny anchored the entire show with their acting skills. They blended humor with firmness, creating a wholly realistic portrayal of a therapist who was at once kind and personable while still maintaining the important boundaries that allow a therapist to properly treat their patient. Benny's character and boundaries were also a testament to the writing team's careful representation of therapy. Victoria developed a relationship with Benny over multiple sessions, seeing slow change with the associated work rather than an instantaneous fix--a misconception about therapy that many people hold. The writers also managed to produce a piece with impressive consistency and flow where characters all had their own distinctive dialogue patterns, even with four writers collaborating on such a short piece. Each plot point was also well-developed, with the conclusion of Victoria's attraction to Benny being continually foreshadowed.

The entire show was filmed virtually by Alexander Footen, with scenes directed by Rohan Jaiswall, Olivia Miniuk, and Gabi David all filmed in one take. This differentiated it from other virtual shows, as the single-take nature allowed for natural chemistry and flow between actors. Danielle Webb, playing Victoria's mother Amy, showed an amazing amount of movement in their scenes despite this virtual nature. They constantly had something to do with their hands, from cooking to cleaning, which kept the scenes lively. This movement also had the dual purpose of showing how Amy avoided conversation with Victoria, deepening their relationship and foreshadowing later reveals of childhood neglect. Webb's ability to do all this reinforced the show's themes and worked excellently with the writers' foreshadowing. Victoria's friend Hazel, played by Heather Stuart, also reinforced the themes of the show. Despite Stuart's character suggesting therapy to Victoria, they showed through dismissive smiles and quick responses how they also played into the stigma against therapy.

Lastly, the continuity department (Alexander Footen and Natalia Fernandez-Davila Parades) ensured that the show remained smooth throughout, normalizing audio levels and standardizing lighting. The lighting remained consistent for each actor throughout the show, which helped differentiate between characters and bring a sense of the stage to this virtual production.

As vaccines improve and mask mandates lift, the pandemic that forces virtual and distanced filming may soon be over. However, the touching and meaningful messages of Out of My Mind will certainly linger.

Brooke Hanser
Robinson Secondary School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com

It's easy to hold in your problems, but what happens when you let them all out? Riverside High School's world-premiere production of "Out of My Mind" dives into the reality of what happens when we begin to free ourselves from the darkness that's holding us back.

"Out of My Mind" follows Victoria Emerson, an up-and-coming cinematographer, as they deal with the ups and downs in their life thus far. After an unfortunate break-up, Victoria's friends notice them sinking into a depression and recommend them to a therapist. Reluctantly, they agree and find themself on Zoom with Benny Rogers, who prompts them to think about recent changes and reflect on how these changes have affected their well-being.

From the moment the show began, Victoria Emerson (Olivia Miniuk) was delt challenges left and right. Miniuk successfully navigated the intricate arch of Victoria by portraying the various sides of the character throughout the show. With Victoria's friends, Miniuk became a high-spirited person with seemingly few problems. But, in scenes with Victoria's parents, Miniuk captured the sadness Victoria felt from being misunderstood by these adults who had left early in Victoria's life. All these different sides came out simultaneously when Victoria was with Benny Rogers (Rohan Jaiswal), their therapist.

Miniuk and Jaiswal's dynamic scenes brought out the complexity of both of their characters, which allowed for moments of vulnerability between the two. The actors played off one another's energies to create moments full of various emotions. But, Jaiswal's ability to lighten the mood with a fun anecdote or metaphor served as a reliable fallback for when things otherwise may have gotten out of hand.

Victoria's mom (Danielle Webb) and ex-boyfriend (Zach Robinson) added more unusual dynamics into Victoria's life. Webb's commitment to character manifested itself through her constant attention to chores around the house. Her preoccupation highlighted the neglect Victoria felt from their mom. Webb continued this effect by always talking fast or disregarding the things Victoria said to her, as did Robinson. Robinson's ability to depict an egotistical musician with a drinking problem with slurred speak and an over-confident attitude allowed the audience to see how alone Victoria was. These choices built-up tension and foreshadowed Victoria's eventual breakdown.

"Out of My Mind" was entirely student-run. With the combined powers of Rohan Jaiswall, Olivia Miniuk, Gabi David, Natalia Fernandez-Davila Parades, and producer, Alexander Footen this show was built from the ground up. This team worked to ensure these deep topics were handled with grace while also managing a theatrical performance in this digital time.

Due to this all-virtual format, it was evident that this show took place during the pandemic. However, Aadi Sinha, Rohan Jaiswal, Hailee Blubaugh, and Zach Robinson's clever writing and relevant themes gave this play a timeless nature. "Out of My Mind" could be performed for years to come.

Throughout this work, Riverside High School was able to step past the stigma around therapy and open our eyes to a reality where we can grow despite the memories holding us back and let our problems out of our minds.

Maura Pelczynski
Chantilly High School
Submitted for publication to Loudoun Now

One too many sleepless nights can be a sign of struggle. When internal and external problems plague your mind to the point where you can't even shut your eyes, it's finally time to admit to yourself that you need help. That's what Victoria Emerson discovered in Riverside High School's student-written play, Out of My Mind.

Break-ups, bad parents, and boastful brothers are all too familiar to cinematographer Victoria Emerson (played by Olivia Miniuk). After a friend recommends their therapist to Victoria, they begin a journey of self-examination and discovery. Under the guidance of their new therapist, Benny Rogers (played by Rohan Jaiswal), Victoria unpacks where her issues with relationships and abandonment stem from and uses each session as a chance to grow from her past.

Olivia Miniuk did an excellent job playing the jaded Victoria, handling the many highs and lows of the character's emotional state with a versatile range. Balanced nicely against their peaks and valleys was the calming and steady river of Rohan Jaiswal's Benny. With a soothing tone, and comforting affirmations, Jaiswal brought a tranquil energy perfect for portraying a therapist. Framing Victoria's character arc were their boyfriends from many failed relationships. From the hostile Keith Douglass (played by Ryder Quiggle), to the eccentric musician Connor Jameson (played by Zach Robinson), to the nerdy Oliver (played by Aadi Sinha). Each actor brilliantly evoked their character's flaws and quirks, creating entertaining conflict when paired in a relationship with Victoria.

Out of My Mind was performed and filmed virtually and played well to the limitations and virtues of the format. Despite lacking a set, attention to background detail created clear settings. Using both locations around the actors' homes and virtual backgrounds, the environments always felt appropriate for any scene or character. Victoria's mom (played by Danielle Webb) always appeared in different locations, busy with cooking, cleaning, or painting, which contrasted nicely against Victoria's dad (played by Alex Footen) and their single static office. Thanks to the continuity team (Alex Footen and Natalia Fernandez-Davila Parades), each scene was well lit, and every actor was audible.

The show was a collaborative, student-driven, effort. Each aspect of the production was created by the cast. The writers (Aadi Sinha, Rohan Jaiswal, Hailee Blubaugh, Zach Robinson) did an excellent job keeping each character's dialogue unique and consistent. The show had excellent pacing. Every scene built up to grand reveals in time with Victoria's personal revelations. The directing team (Rohan Jaiswall, Olivia Miniuk, Gabi David) truly helped bring the script to life with meticulous care for the look of the show. Costumes and makeup were used to separate scenes from each other and distinguish a cohesive timeline.

Altogether, Out of My Mind encouraged seeking guidance from others, as well as finding ways to help yourself. Riverside's student-written play was a comforting exploration of mental health and healing from the past. The show affirmed that relationships are meant to enrich your life, not define them. Sometimes, just knowing you are enough can help you shut your tired eyes and get some well-deserved rest.

Amelia Preble
Robinson Secondary School
Submitted for publication to Loudoun Times-Mirror

"When you see a pattern emerging in life, a habit, then it's time to think about it. Genius is about knowing when to stop." These powerful words closed the show, echoing the messages heard throughout. A deep dive into the intricacies of mental health and its role in our relationships, Riverside High School's "Out of My Mind" explored the pressing issues of today's young adults in an honest and familiar way.

"Out of My Mind" follows a young adult, Vicky, through her journey towards understanding herself and improving her mental health. The play, written entirely by students Aadi Sinha, Rohan Jaiswal, Hailee Blubaugh, and Zack Robinson, combined casual modern dialogue with important underlying messages to build a show that tackled many of today's issues in a relatable way.

Present in almost every scene and building connections with every character, Olivia Miniuk played the role of Victoria Emerson with a clear purpose and dedication. Not only did Miniuk's performance anchor the show and move the plot forward, it captured the subtleties of Vicky's internal conflict and foreshadowed her future actions. Vicky's constant development over the course of the play was contrasted by the static consistency of Benny Rogers, played by Rohan Jaiswal. The script established Benny as an eccentric but knowledgeable guide to Vicky, serving as a consistent source of reflection and aid for Vicky. Jaiswal captured this unique role perfectly, demonstrating an understanding of and engagement with the material. The pair worked together beautifully to capture the complex, ever-evolving nature of their characters' relationship.

The main plot of the show was supported by several actors in smaller parts, all introducing distinct personalities that furthered the story's development. Amy Santiago, playing Vicky's mother, brought an authentic sense of pressure to each scene, building up the negative influence of their character before it was directly revealed. Ryder Quiggle and Zach Robinson both excelled in playing somewhat antagonistic characters, succeeding in acting unlikeable to introduce some of the most important conflicts in the story. These actors came together as a part of the large cast to represent a realistic and recognizable collection of young adults.

Facing the challenges of performing theatre during a pandemic, Riverside adapted by recording their entire show on a video call. Although it may seem disadvantageous, the medium was perfect for this show. The close look at each actor highlighted their individual emotions and drew focus to the traits and developments of the character. This minimal approach to technical design was supported by the continuity team, Alexander Footen and Natalia Fernandez-Davila Parades, whose work in lighting and sound prevented the otherwise inevitable issues invited by a remote performance. The subtle work of the technicians allowed the show to run smoothly while maintaining a spotlight on the story and the actors who told it.

"Out of My Mind" boldly tackled some of today's most pressing yet taboo issues in a compelling account of a mental health journey. Amongst the whirlwind of moving stories and messages, one crucial theme shone through: "Take charge of your own life."

Shailey Pratt
Robinson Secondary School
Submitted for publication to Blue Ridge Leader

During the COVID-19 Pandemic of 2020 dismantling the familiarity of the world most people live in, many found themselves suffering from newfound mental health struggles, indiscriminately affecting people of all ages, backgrounds, and means. Riverside High School's "Out of My Mind", which was entirely student produced, portrayed one person's journey with their family, their love life, and themself in the midst of the global pandemic.

The play revolves around Vicky Emerson's battle with feeling "out of their mind", and the implications of their deteriorating mental health on their relationships and the life they were leading. By the encouragement of a friend, they sought help with therapist Benny Rogers. The pair tackled Vicky's childhood traumas, career challenges, and relationship woes, effectively equipping them with the skills they needed to grow beyond the limits of a virtual therapists office. As befitting the setting of the play, all scenes and interactions were done over a video conference setting.

Anchoring the production were the subtle choices of individual actors, moments of endearing ensemble, and streamlined technical elements deliberately intended to serve the continuity of the show. The plot, although complex and fast-paced, had a solid and engaging cast that was never unenthused by what was happening in their characters' lives.

Vicky, presented by Olivia Miniuk, and their therapist Benny Rodgers (Rohan Jaiswal) contributed to the show through long periods of discussion and conversation. The intimacy and realism the pair cultivated over the forty-minute piece quickly established the underlying meanings behind their words and external motivations. Both actors also took parts as directors for the show, along with Jaiswal as a part of the four-student writing team, utilizing their obvious understanding of the plot in their "on-stage" work as well as their off-stage efforts.

Notable performances by the extended ensemble include the consistency of Vicky's mother, Amy Santiago (Danielle Webb), who was never lacking in movement and commitment to the world they were in, the expert drunkenness of Connor Jameson (Zach Robinson), one of Vicky's love interests, and the "Girls Night!" group's enthusiasm and excitement concerning a night "out", despite virtual limitations.

All technical elements of the show were impressively done by the cast itself, each person serving a double, triple, or greater purpose in crafting the show. The continuity team, lead by Alexander Footen and Natalia Fernandez-Davila Parades ensured the lighting and sound of the show were consistently high-quality and wouldn't impair the audience experience. The "set", which was limited by the spaces the actors occupied, reflected the real-world background they would be against- a kitchen for a mother, a bedroom for a struggling person, and an office for a therapist.

"Out of My Mind" reflected the students of Riverside's dedication to portraying mental health and growth, and their play was a testament to the meaning of the topic to them. Their show, although it faced many obstacles and barriers to production, proves the intention and love put into the play.