Advanced Theatre Serves Up Shorts Fest In October, our Advanced Theatre Arts Students served up an exciting Annual Shorts Fest. This tradition in the performing arts is nearly 10 years old. However, this year’s production brought some exciting changes and additions. Featuring 44 plays in 60 minutes with full audience participation, the shorts were written and directed by students. Audience members were in the driver’s seat as they were presented with a café style menu in which the shorts were categorized like one was ordering a meal. Working with the host, members
were encouraged to shout out the number of their preferred short’s “menu item,” so every production of Shorts Fest was a bit different. Through the process of collective creation, Director of Theatre Lissa Slay worked with students in their theatre courses beginning in September to prep for this event. “We first worked on building ensemble and community before we jumped into this,” said Slay. The stories evolved through constructive feedback, improvisation, creating
personal monologues, revisions, and individual “workshopping” with Mrs. Slay during office hour. Giving students an opportunity to be a part of the creative process from concept to completion is always one of the hallmarks of an arts education. Beyond the fun of production, however, students also learn valuable life skills while they experience personal growth. “This process teaches them how to adapt to change, think on their feet, working in a collaborative environment, how to accept and give feedback and most importantly how to take ‘no’ gracefully,” said Slay. Congratulations to our Advanced Theatre Arts students and Mrs. Slay for an incredible evening of student creativity and artistic excellence. We can’t wait to see what you’ll do next year!
Introducing the Monarch Yell Squad
by: Maisie McPherson ‘19
Every autumn Friday across America, a high school football game kicks off. Fans file into the student section: seniors up front, freshman in the back, with everyone else in between. Without guidance, the crowd would be a rudderless ship. Someone must lead the fans and as a member of the inaugural Yell Squad, I am one of them. Yell Squad is a select student-led group who create the energy that feeds the team and the fans. At kickoff, we hold our megaphones high while hundreds rise to their feet. It’s a daunting feeling staring up at the sea of red; a few judge, some sneer, but most join in the fun. I am not a cheerleader but, for what I lack in coordination, I make up in positive energy that coaxes the student section into a deafening chant. I started the game with raw nerves that soon melted away into exhilaration. Maisie McPherson and Joey Nicolai fire up the crowd.
After the clock expired, the Squad waded through home crowd towards our cars. On our way, we were showered with compliments from students, faculty, even Principal Clare who proclaimed: “Tonight was the best student section in our history!” Sometimes you must take a leap of faith, face your fears, and remain true to your spirit. We were so excited to be ranked the #1 student section in Orange County by the OC Register.
“Becoming a member of the Yell Squad allowed me step out of my comfort zone as I stepped on top of the box. For the confirmation of my courage and self-confidence, I will forever be grateful for my time behind the megaphone.” Some members of the Monarch Yell Squad: Natasha Hill, Brooks Massey, Arman Kahan-Mahd, Kylie Eggers and Tatianna Marocco.
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