Notes from the Director
In 2016 Alumni Jordan Kost returned from CSSSA (California State Summer School for the Arts) excited about what he had learned and he restarted the Theatre Club at Bishop High along with a group of committed students. They produced the play, Love, Death and the Prom, in the Spring of 2017. They asked me to be their advisor. Following COVID the drama students asked me to return as their advisor in the spring of 2021. That fall we produced All Together Now!, a production created by MTI for helping to jumpstart theater programs across the country. It stipulated that the performances must be on a specific weekend of November of 2021. We practiced with frequent breaks and masks. It was challenging, but none of our performers became ill during the production, and that production gave us some funds to invest in future productions.
Our next production was in January of 2023 as we experimented with a different time slot and a different type of production. We had incredible support from businesses in Bishop who provided donations for raffles, materials for sets, adertising, and posters. The production was a great success and gave students who had never been on stage the opportunity to explore their talents. The community came out to see our production and support us. It was very encouraging.
This year we are trying our first major musical in the Junior version of Legally Blonde, based on the popular film of the same name. It has been challenging. Our students have been preparing for two marching band competitions, concurrently with working to learn their parts for the musical. In addition cast members have dealt with some difficult personal challenges making meeting for rehearsals quite a challenge.
As I write this I realize I want the audience to know what an incredible experience this is. These students work so hard, give so much of themselves, and continually try new skills. Throughout this production I have watched them with a heart full of gratitude. I am so blessed to be able to work with them. They encourage one another, support one another and enjoy being together. Theater and the Arts give students a place to gain confidence, to step outside of themselves, and find a niche. The skills they learn here can follow them into adulthood, with confidence, learning to work together toward a goal, and recognizing they can accomplish more than they imagined. The arts also provide a lifetime hobby, a place to find community, and a place to belong. These programs are often the first to be cut during tight financial times. Losing this program would be a detriment to the students and the community. I hope that these students' dedication will be supported for many years to come.
This year we will say goodbye to several very tallented seniors: Georgia Gastelum, Karen Rivas-Leon, Anwyn Benson Hernandez, Kate Anderson, Ashley Fitt, Victoria Sanchez, Jasmine Spratt, and former actor Jared Gonzales-Grimaldo. We wish them the best futures possible.
All I wanted to do as a student was be in plays and musicals. My school did not have a program for that. It wasn't until I was 30 that I finally got to be on stage in a musical. I love being able to give this opportunity to my students. Thank you all for giving me the opportunity to realize my stage dreams along with all of you cast members. I'm going to miss this!
