Palos Verdes PeninsulaHigh School

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Info For Incoming 9th Graders

Incoming class of 2028
 
 
INFORMATION MEETING: Did you miss the February 13 information meeting? Reach out to Mr Cohen with any questions you may have about Peninsula Drama.
 
Why should YOU take Drama?
 

DRAMA I ADVANCED

This is your opportunity to get involved with the Drama Department and be a part of our award-winning program that competes at the annual DTASC Festivals.

 

Email Mr. Cohen to ask any questions.
 
 

AUDITION INFORMATION

Auditions are held each April - one afternoon each at Miraleste, PVIS, Ridgecrest and at PV Peninsula HS. Students may audition at any of the sites, regardless of current enrollment.

April 16 @ Miraleste Intermediate

April 22 @ PV Intermediate

April 24 @ Ridgecrest Intermediate

April 25 @ PVPHS

 

Email Mr Cohen ([email protected]) to schedule your audition time.

 

For the audition, please prepare a 1-minute monologue from any source (play, TV, movie, book etc) and 16 bars (about 30 seconds) of a capella singing (a show-tune is preferred, but any song is fine . . .  even Happy Birthday)
 
Here are some websites where students can find some monologue options:
DRAMA NOTEBOOK
 
Please download and print the Audition Form below and bring with you.
What Do You Need to Know About Drama I Advanced
Students in the Drama I Advanced class will be learning performance technique through a variety of performance projects as well as character development and theater history.
 
What sets this class apart is participation in regional theater competitions. Each semester, students in Drama I Advanced will be directed by students in Drama 3/4 Advanced to prepare for festivals with after school rehearsals.
 
(All-day) Festival dates for the 2023-2024 school year;
Saturday, November 4, 2023  
Saturday, April 20, 2024
DRAMA DEPARTMENT FAQs:
 
Q: Can I take Drama as a Freshman?
A: YES! There are two classes that 9th graders can take. Drama I Advanced and Drama I
 
Q: I was told that I can't take Drama if I am also taking World History. Is that true? What about AVID?
A: That is actually not true. You CAN take Drama alongside World History or AVID. Of course, there are only so many hours in a school day, so that may require taking summer school or a zero period. While it's true, a Zero period does present a long academic day, having a class like Drama in the day where you get to let loose and do something a little bit different really does help to keep the mind fresh and stimulated. And its usually pretty fun. 
 
Q: But, I can't take AVID AND Drama all through high school, right?
A: You certainly can. Many students have participated in Drama classes and AVID for all four years of their high school careers. In fact, participation in Drama reinforces many of the skills being focused on in the AVID program.
 
Q: Are there a lot of after school requirements and rehearsals?
A: Not necessarily. Students in Drama I have almost no homework or specific after school requirements. Students in Drama I Advanced will be participating in one festival competition each semester that requires additional rehearsal. Those group commitments usually run 2-3 days/week, totaling 3-4-1/2 hours total for about five weeks leading up to those festivals. Each festival group builds their own rehearsal schedules to meet in the afternoons, lunchtimes or on Saturdays. The festivals themselves are full day commitments (November 4 and April 20 in the 23-24 school year).
 
Q: What if I have never been on stage before? Do I have to be talented?
A: Do you want to perform? Take Drama. Do you want to become a better public speaker? Take Drama. Are you a passionate artist? Take Drama.
It doesn't matter what your experience is, all I need from you is a willingness to get up on stage. Take Drama.
 
 
Q: What about productions?
A: Each year our drama department produces 1-2 Fall plays, as well as the Spring musical (in addition to other performance opportunities). Students in Drama I/IAdvanced may work on stage crew for the Fall productions, and they are eligible to audition or interview for stage crew for the Spring Musical.
 
Q: What else is there?
A: So much. We have our Drama Club, the Comedy Sportz High School team and our International Thespian Society troupe. Each is a separate commitment. Students can take drama class for four years and never be a part of a production. Some work on shows or are on the Comedy Sportz team, but don't take classes. You can definitely get involved in any number of ways. That said, if you want to get involved and get to know like-minded people who also enjoy working in the theater, I encourage everyone to take Drama.