Welcome to Spotlight, where 半岛体育 highlights shows from educational institutions or regional theatres and special events around the country (who have used 半岛体育's ). By welcoming these PLAYBILLDERs center stage, we hope to give our readers a more in-depth look at theatre programs that are fostering the love of the performing arts in the next generation and the way theatre lovers are bringing 半岛体育 along for life's big moments.
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This week's Spotlight is West High School of Torrance, California, and their production of Sister Act. Featuring music by Alan Menken, this adaptation of the 1992 film follows Deloris Van Cartier, a disco diva who must disguise herself after witnessing a terrible crime. After being placed in protective custody and hidden in a convent, Deloris uses her musical talents to bring new life into the church and community, but must balance her fun-loving ways with a strict Mother Superior and the threat of the discovery of her true identity.
Theatre and Artistic Director Christy Orabuena shared with 半岛体育 how her school's theatre program reflects the professional world and why she's more inspired than ever.
How many years have you been teaching?
Christy Orabuena: As I complete my 22nd year teaching at West High, I find myself more inspired than ever by the students I work with every day.
What is your proudest moment as an educator?
This year, my proudest moment as a theatre educator has been watching our students take true ownership of their performances. They鈥檝e challenged themselves鈥攁nd each other鈥攖o create an extraordinary show, one that reflects their growth, dedication, and joy. I'm incredibly proud to be graduating 29 seniors from our program this year. Watching their development over the past four years鈥攏ot just as actors, but also as people鈥攈as been a gift. Their passion, discipline, and creativity are a testament to the values we work to instill in our program.
Can you share a little bit about the value you see in having a performing arts program in schools?
At West High, our theatre program is designed to reflect the expectations of a professional environment, offering students an authentic and enriching arts education. It鈥檚 a space where students immerse themselves not just in performance, but in every part of the process鈥攖ech, design, stage management, and more. Seeing them take ownership and pride in their work has been deeply rewarding.
What shows are your kids obsessed with right now?
Our students are passionate about theatre. Right now, they鈥檙e obsessed with Ride the Cyclone, Mamma Mia!, and the works of William Finn and Jason Robert Brown鈥攁rtists who challenge and excite them.
What are your dreams for how your drama department can grow?
My dream for this department is simple but powerful: to continue producing large, complex productions that offer meaningful opportunities to every student. We don鈥檛 cut anyone. If a student auditions, they will be in the show. That inclusivity and commitment to finding a place for everyone is what makes our department so unique鈥攁nd so special. I feel incredibly lucky to teach life through theatre, and to share in the growth, laughter, and learning that happens both onstage and off.
Tell us a little bit about the production. What made you pick the show? How do you choose shows for your students?
We chose this show because it truly highlighted the incredible talent of my female students. This year, I have a large group of amazing young women, and we wanted a production that gave them the opportunity to really shine. Every show we select is chosen with the students in mind鈥攖he show is only 鈥渞ight鈥� if it allows them to have the most successful stage experience possible.
What are the kids loving about the show?
One of the standout moments for them was 鈥淪unday Morning Fever,鈥� which opened the second act. It featured strong vocals and such fun choreography鈥攊t quickly became a favorite among the cast. The girls especially loved the challenge and accomplishment of singing in six-part harmony, and they pulled it off beautifully.
What message do you have for your students as they take the stage?
As my students step onto the stage, my biggest hope is that they stay present and fully enjoy the moment. High school goes by in a flash鈥攆our years feels like nothing鈥攁nd I want them to focus on the 鈥渘ow,鈥� rather than worrying about what comes next. This is their time, and they deserve to cherish every second of it.
How did the students participate in the design or production of this 半岛体育?
I also have a student who has taken the lead on designing our programs, a role that has been passed down successfully over the last few years. She has now handed the torch to the next student designer, continuing that legacy of student leadership.
How has PLAYBILLDER impacted your performing arts program as a resource?
PLAYBILLDER has made the program experience very easy. The programs look so professional and they are so easy to create.
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