Burlingame High School's drama program debuts its first-ever staged reading of "Inherit the Wind," adding a new format to a program that previously produced only a fall play and spring musical each year.

The production runs at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, and Saturday, Aug. 29, at Burlingame High School. Cast members had just 10 days to rehearse, The Burlingame B first reported.

In a staged reading, actors perform with scripts in hand. The set consists of chairs and blocks rather than built scenery, and costumes and props are minimal. The format still involves full acting and blocking.

Senior Veer Choudhary, the program's drama president, plays the defense attorney in the production. Choudhary said the stripped-down format helps younger students learn theater fundamentals.

"It's different from actually putting on a whole play or musical, because we don't actually have to memorize," Choudhary told The Burlingame B. "There's not really a professional set. It's just kind of a bunch of chairs and blocks … I think it's really cool how you can make art in different ways."

Drama teacher Michelle Shannon said the staged reading prioritizes shared passion over polish. She described the approach as process-focused, saying the goal is for students to get excited about creating theater together rather than delivering a finished product.

"Inherit the Wind" dramatizes the trial of Tennessee teacher John Scopes, who was arrested in 1925 for teaching evolution in violation of a state law called the Butler Act. Choudhary said rehearsing the material taught him to appreciate free expression.

The addition makes this the first year Burlingame drama will mount three total productions. Earlier in the 2025-26 school year, two BHS drama students earned nominations for the Rita Moreno Award for performances in "Rent" and "Rumors," according to a San Mateo Union High School District board memo.