On Saturday November 18th, OCSA’s middle school thespians, troupe 6640, went to their first district competition of the year, only a few weeks after our high school thespians made it on top at theirs! Following their upperclassmen, the middle schoolers did an outstanding job at their festival. They demonstrated great hard work and perseverance after coming home with 17 superiors, 14 Excellents, and 3 best in shows. They also preformed their One Act at districts, which was chosen to take to states!
The middle school drama department is still a new edition to OCSA, being only two years old. They performed their first one act as a club three years ago where they took best alternate in show, as well as last year when they became an official major.
Since then, they have made great progress with still ways to go says Mrs. Katherine Reeves, the official Arts Director of the Middle School Drama Department.
Although both middle school and high school thespians attend their district festivals, there are few prominent differences. For middle school thespians, the judges are easier and more lenient on the rules, but sometimes there’s a student who can do everything the older ones can do.
For their one act, middle schoolers have to get creative, while high schoolers are allowed an entire set. Though all in all, the drama department at OCSA is connected as a whole. “Were one troupe, if something goes wrong for the youngers it goes wrong for the olders and vice versa” says Mrs. Reeves.
As a thank you to Mrs. Reeves and her hard work towards the drama department, the students who participated in the district one acts and those who received top honors had a few things to say:
“Theater has been a huge part of my life and I’m so glad I can move forward with something I love most. I’d like to thank Mrs. Reeves, Maia, and Pedro for always supporting me.” – Camila Fernandez, 8th grade drama major.
“Thank you, Mrs. Reeves, for making this ensemble piece possible and for making the impossible, possible.”- Kyla Castillo, 7th grade drama major.
“There is no other group of individuals I would rather have this honor to be with. This troupe has a special place in my heart.” – Raniah Sanchez, 8th grade drama major.
“I’m very thankful for Mrs. Reeves for giving us this script and helping us improve our script and I’m very thankful for our whole troupe for cheering us on and giving tips.” – Beatriz Desidera, 7th grade drama major.
”I am thankful for my group because without them this ensemble wouldn’t be possible, and I am thankful for Mrs. Reeves for making this possible.” – Lara Perfetto, 7th grade drama major.
“I appreciate Mrs. Reeves and my classmates for the tips to help me improve and get better.” – Shania Richards, 8th grade drama major.
“Theater has been something special for me and I’m glad that I’m moving north to states and I’m thankful for Mrs. Reeves for training me so I can succeed in these special moments in my life.” -Danna Calderon, 7th grade drama major.
“I’m thankful for Mrs. Reeves for giving me the opportunity to perform this year and never gave up on me even if I was being dumb.” – Jaydalie Gomera, 8th grade drama major.
“We’re so grateful to have the opportunity of having a solo musical, we want to thank Mrs. Reeves for believing in us and all of our classmates for supporting us.” – Wendy Alvarez, 8th grade drama major.
