CUSD has a tradition of excellence in Drama, most recently
being honored with National Youth Arts and M.A.C.Y. awards for outstanding
theatrical productions of Ghost the Musical and Putnam County Spelling Bee
(CHS), and National Youth Arts awards for Grease (SCHS). Last spring, Carlsbad
High School and Aviara Oaks Middle School each took First Place Sweepstakes
Awards at the 95th Annual Drama Teachers Association of Southern California
Shakespeare Festival.
For the last 35 years Carlsbad students have traveled to Los
Angeles to receive feedback on their acting and design skills. This year,
Carlsbad Unified theater teachers embarked on an exciting new project to bring
a better festival experience to our students. Teachers Monica Hall (CHS),
Judi Stapleton (CHMS), Andrea Emert (AOMS), and Jillian Porter (SCHS) created
their own adjudicated, non-competitive festival, giving middle and high school
students the opportunity to be recognized for their achievements. The First Annual Carlsbad Theater Festival
was launched on October 24, 2015.
Seven individual events were organized that day. Students
had the chance to showcase their talents in technical direction, serious scenes,
humorous monologues, and musical scenes. Many students were recognized for
“Bright Spots” in their theatrical presentations. The adjudicators included
faculty members from San Diego State University, Cal State San Marcos, Palomar
College, Cal Poly Pomona, Mesa College; along with representatives from
Moonlight Amphitheatre; North Coast Repertory Theater; and a variety of
professional actors and directors.
The festival was attended by 138 students, and was deemed to
be a huge success. Plans are already underway for next year’s event.
Congratulations to our middle and high school Drama departments for organizing
such a wonderful experience for our young thespians.
