Milton Hershey School Visual and Performing Arts Students Present “The Day the Internet Died”

The Milton Hershey School Senior Division fall play, “The Day the Internet Died,” explores how citizens of a town react when the internet goes down for an entire week. Researchers are forced to visit librarians. Influencers attempt to create buzz or chaos that yields no likes, comments, or shares. Potential couples meet through a speed-dating exercise without being able to do a deep dive into their internet history.

The play is a satirical look into how older generations may view today’s teenagers. The teens involved in the MHS production are confident the school’s curriculum prepares them to flourish in the real world. 

“Performing on stage helps me to express myself,” said senior Nicole Heydemann, who plays a character named Agnes. 

Heydemann has participated in the MHS Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) program since ninth grade. She appreciates the relationships she has formed with her fellow thespians, including fellow senior Nevahn Oliver. Balancing their commitment to VPA with schoolwork requires a strong work ethic for the entire cast and crew. Oliver hopes “The Day the Internet Died,” allows audiences to relax and laugh.  

“I like acting for myself, but I also love when the audience enjoys themselves,” he said.

Senior Eddie Boyer is the show’s stage manager. He’s excited to work on “The Day the Internet Died” because it challenges the audience to think about and understand other people’s perspectives.  

The VPA program allows students to express their creativity. Events such as the fall play provide a platform for students to showcase their talents. Reflecting on her experiences in the program, Heydemann feels proud of her growth as a performer. Aspiring to a career in education, she combines her VPA experiences with knowledge gained from the MHS Career and Technical Education program’s Education and Human Services pathway to guide current ninth graders to their first big stage performance. 

“I feel so much more self-confident,” she said. “It’s OK to be proud of yourself.” 

Cast and crew members of “The Day the Internet Died” are leaning into the 2024-25 school year theme, “Raise the Bar,” in several ways. Oliver, a stage veteran, said scheduling conflicts forced the students to cut their normal 10-week preparation time down to four weeks. They refused to let the shortened rehearsal time affect the quality of the performance. 

Heydemann is studying her character outside of rehearsal time and determining how to be the best possible. 

“I love putting all my energy and effort into it,” she said. “It’s really fun to find the little nuances of the character and play into it.” 

Boyer is raising the bar by stage managing for the first time. He said that leading the crew takes a lot of organization and a strong work ethic, but he enjoys the challenge. 

“I really wanted to be part of something bigger than myself,” Boyer said. 

“The Day the Internet Died” opens at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25, in the MHS End Stage Theatre. Additional performances will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, and Sunday, Oct. 27. The show is open to the public and free to attend.