Newtown High School students are preparing for this year’s fall drama production, The Crucible, which will be staged November 15 to 18 at the school .

Performances will be staged at 7 pm on November 15 to 17 and at 2 pm on November 18. Tickets are $7 for students, $10 for senior citizens, and $12 for adults.

NHS theater and language arts teacher Janice Gabriel is advising the production with NHS choral director Jane Matson. The production is student run.

NHS students Kayla Verga, the production’s producer; and Emma Stierle, who is co-directing with Sarah Grant, explained students have been working on the drama since near the start of the school year. Jessica Andreotta is serving as the production’s assistant director.

Emma said she and Sarah proposed The Crucible for this year’s fall drama last school year, when students were directed to submit proposals for the fall play. Auditions for the production were held in September. Emma said there are more than 20 NHS students involved in the production.

“It’s very student run,” said Emma, adding that students are overseeing the costumes, the props, and more.

The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller, focuses on the Salem Witch Trials. It was written when McCarthyism was prevalent in America.

“We think it is still relevant today to teach people a lesson,” said Emma on October 26 as students rehearsed a scene on the school’s auditorium stage.

Kayla and Emma agreed the play may be frightening for young children.

Emma said the play has elements of romance and tension, and it shares how lies can influence society. It also shows “how one person can change people’s lives for better or for worse.”

Reflecting on the play, Kayla said it has been a learning experience for everyone involved.

“Everyone has been working nonstop to make it as perfect and realistic as possible,” Kayla said.