News
Hogwarts at Hamilton celebrates its 15th year
By Dillon Kelly ’18
October 27, 2016
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On Oct. 22, Hamilton students and children alike from Clinton could be spotted on campus wearing their Harry Potter costumes and yelling all sorts of spells. These students performed various skits and jokes from the Harry Potter book series as a part of the club, Hogwarts at Hamilton. The club began in 2001 which means that this year is the 15th year of Hogwarts at Hamilton, something the students involved are extremely proud of.
The students perform in Benedict Hall with each classroom corresponding to a class from Harry Potter, which included Divination, Transfiguration, Charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts. The show used to take place in Sadove, formerly the ELS building, up until 2009 when the building underwent construction.
Although the event seems like all fun and games, preparation begins before the school year starts. The students involved have to decide on dates and when they are going to hold auditions. Once students are picked and placed into a specific classroom, they meet every week on their own to develop a children’s skit, along with a late night, 17+ skit. This year the club was lucky enough to get President Wippman involved, playing Professor Quirrel, who hides Voldemort behind his turban.
Jennie Wilber ’17, one of the leaders of the club, talks about having President Wippman involved, saying, “He’s wonderful to work with and really took on his character with no hesitation or inhibition… Wearing a turban that cleverly hid the frowny-face drawn on the back of his head, he jumped right into his character’s nervous stuttering and when the time came for Voldemort to reveal himself, he fearlessly whipped off the turban, turned around so the audience could see the frowny-face and switched into a low, intimidating voice to become Voldemort… He was even so excited to be a part of Hogwarts at Hamilton that he forgot to remove Voldemort’s face from the back of his head and didn’t realize it until someone mentioned it in passing Saturday at lunch in Commons.”
When talking about the experience, President Wippman remarked, “It was great to watch so many area kids stare in amazement at seeing their favorite Hogwarts characters come to life. I appreciate our students putting on such a creative event for the community and was happy to be part of it.”
Wilber describes this year’s Hogwarts at Hamilton as absolutely wonderful. She says, “I’m incredibly proud of the cast for their hard work and hilarious skits. This year was the largest cast we’ve had since I’ve been here and I think possibly ever. With 60+ actors including President Wippman we were able to fill each classroom with about 10 students each and expand our character repertoire.”
Emily Granoff ’18, another one of the club’s leaders, said that since the event, she has received emails from parents who brought their children to the event, which said how much fun they had during their time at Hogwarts. Granoff speaks to a specific example about an interaction she had with a young girl, saying “[she] came up to me after the Transfiguration skit and said McGonagall was her hero, and could she have a picture? And that is really why I love Hogwarts so much. These kids love Harry Potter so much, and we get to give that to them for a little bit. It really does feel magical.”
However, along with the providing laughs for children and students, the club’s other goal is to raise money for the Kirkland Town Library. This year the club made $631.85, one of the program’s largest sums since its beginning, and will be put towards literacy programs and book purchases.
There is no doubt that this year’s Hogwarts at Hamilton will be remembered as one of the club’s most successful. To continue spreading the magic, the club is putting on another event on Dec. 3 called the Yule Ball, an event from the series’ fourth book. It will be a dress-up event to celebrate the success of Hogwarts at Hamilton, the Christmas season and the magic of Harry Potter. The event will include a photo area, dancing and Harry Potter-themed food. Mark your calendars for another unforgettable time at Hogwarts!