VAPA Honor Theater Project Returns!

 

SDUSD VAPA Honor Theatre Project is making a comeback after a multi-year hiatus. This project brings together high school theatre students from across the district to create a unique piece of theatre. In an example of the partnership between VAPA and CCTE, 30+ theatre and technical theatre students from Hoover, La Jolla, Mira Mesa, Morse, Patrick Henry, Point Loma, SDSCPA, Scripps Ranch, and University City are working on creating a devised piece of theatre.

Devised theatre is created entirely by the students. The writing and technical elements are all student driven and will be completed entirely on Zoom. This "Zoom Theatre" format is new in this Covid-19 era and these students are on the cutting edge of exploring all theatre can be in this environment. This project is also providing an opportunity for students to connect with their craft, meet new people, and build community in our virtual world.

This work is being led by teaching artist Joshua Streeter, professor at James Madison University, who specializes in educational and devised theatre. Much of the work is explored through a social justice lens, allowing students to understand and express what is important to them in these difficult times. Partnerships with La Jolla Playhouse and San Diego State University make this student opportunity even more valuable. La Jolla Playhouse is providing panel discussions with expert technical theatre professionals. SDSU is matching technical theatre students with SDSU mentors to help guide their creative process. Additional support is being provided by Stephanie Steiner (CTE Technical Theatre Teacher, SDSCPA), Patrick Garcia (Theatre Teacher, SRHS), Ethan Morgan (VAPA Facilities Manager) and Marjorie Treger (Theatre Resource Teacher). This project is partially funded by the VAPA Foundation.

Work on the project continues through mid-March, at which time it is hoped to have a virtual "drive-in movie" premier. The final piece will be edited together and available on a streaming platform. Stay tuned for more details. Questions? Contact Marjorie Treger at mtreger1@sandi.net. #theartsaretheanswer #transforminglives