"Up the Down Staircase" has been announced as the Spencer High School Drama Department's fall production, according to Larry Untiet, theater director.

In 1964, "Up the Down Staircase" by Bel Kaufman first appeared on the shelves of book stores across the nation as a best-selling novel, with millions of copies going into the hands of American people.

By 1966, the story was adapted for motion pictures and released by Warner Brothers, with Sandy Dennis starring in the lead role of the first-year teacher, Slyvia Barrett. Here, too, the story was an overwhelming success, as exhibited by the millions who flocked to see the picture.

In 1969, the story was adapted for the stage by playwright Christopher Sergel and has been an outstanding success with high school drama departments throughout the nation since that time.

The play describes from the inside what goes on in a large metropolitan high school. With genuine warmth and shrewd comic touches, it shows what happens when a first-year teacher's ideals run smack against inadequate facilities, a lack of communication and the trivia in triplicate -- all which stands in the way of good teaching.

The show calls for a total of 40 cast members, with students also needed for the crew heads and crew members for lighting, sound effects, make-up, costumes, publicity, properties, set construction, set painting, ushers, and set shifting.

The show is open to all Spencer High School students in grades 9-12, with try-outs being held at 7 p.m. on Sept. 8-9 at the Spencer Middle School auditorium. Scripts will be on reserve in the high school and may be checked out by students on a daily basis.

Production dates for "Up the Down Staircase" are set for Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 and 2. The play will be under the direction of Larry Untiet.