Every year, the lights dim, the curtain rises, and the students of Aliso Niguel High School’s theatre program transform the stage into a world of stories, emotions, and creativity. The program thrives on collaboration between actors, tech crew, and directors, all working together to create unforgettable experiences for the audience. Through rehearsals, design, and teamwork, this program has become a vital part of the school’s art culture.
The stage is more than a performance space for students in the theatre program. It serves as a place of growth, collaboration, and self-discovery.
Angie Donaldson (10) says, “Being a part of theatre is like having a second family, you get to work with so many people with different skill sets all while showing off your own. There are many opportunities for you to shine, whether it be acting or having something more practical like the set.”
The theater company is run by students, meaning students make decisions, and the director evaluates their input and determines what’s best for the company. Being a part of the theatre program ensures that all students get a say in what they want.
The company involves diverse group of students, from aspiring actors to tech crew members and costume designers. Together, they bring productions to life, often spending weeks perfecting every line, light cue, and set piece. They gather months of hard work and turn it into an extravagant performance.
Under the guidance of Mr. Golden, the program has consistently earned praise for its high-quality productions. The program recently held “One Man, Two Guvnors” in the theatre, which was successful. The play was sold out for the majority of the nights.
Mr. Golden says, “I want students to be able to leave here knowing what it is … running a theater company is like running a business. It’s establishing leadership qualities in themselves that they can take wherever they go.”
Parents, teachers, and community members also lend their support, attending shows and volunteering time to help with set construction, ticket sales, and fundraising.
Excitement is building for the upcoming production of “The Spongebob Musical”, set to premiere in April. Auditions have been held, and the roles should be posted in the theatre hallway by Friday, Dec. 6.
Mr. Golden also mentions how he wants to embrace the idea of live theater again. Today, most people use social media as a source of entertainment. Live theater has been around for thousands of years, and it keeps coming back since there’s something in that experience of a live performance. In this generation, many individuals choose to sit in a theatre and watch, but the audience has no connection to the actors. There will always be more energy on the stage so it’s important to keep theater alive at Aliso Niguel.
Whether they’re stepping into the spotlight or working behind the scenes, the students in Aliso Niguel’s theatre program continue to inspire through their passion, dedication, and creativity. As the curtain rises on their next performance, one thing is certain: the magic of theatre will be alive and well at Aliso Niguel.
