Every year, Canyon High School’s drama program participates in a region-wide theater competition: DTASC. DTASC, which stands for the Drama Teachers Association of Southern California, gives students all across SoCal the opportunity to show off their talents through the performing arts. The DTASC’s annual Spring festival revolves around William Shakespeare, centering all categories based on performances of his plays and stories.
On April 26, our Canyon Theater Arts Program competed on the varsity and JV levels and won an impressive amount of recognition (though it’s no surprise; our program is immensely talented). Some of the most notable include Josh Ighodaro’s third place win in the monologue category for his performance of speeches from “Titus Andronicus” and “Twelfth Night” and Cindy Orozco’s sixth place monologues for “Romeo & Juliet” and “Henry VI, Part 3.” According to Mr. Miller, Canyon’s theater teacher, “Cindy was the first freshman in DTASC history to make it to finals in monologue!”
One of the most exciting moments of the night was when Canyon took home a first place win in the “Shakespeare the Musical” category with their astounding performance of “West Side Story”—a musical based on “Romeo and Juliet” in a modernized fashion. Because of their win, the actors were given a “Salute to the Winners” award and later had the opportunity to perform at A Noise Within Playhouse in Pasadena on May 5 in front of casting directors, agents and producers.
Additionally, in the “Drama” category, JV students won third place for their performance of a scene from “Macbeth.”
During an interview with senior Sami Hesse, I asked her about her experience and thoughts on DTASC and she replied with a very heartfelt statement: “DTASC is a really fun event that brings so many people together. It’s wonderful being surrounded by so much talent and positivity, as well as people who share the same passion and interest for the arts as you do.” While the atmosphere of the competition may be daunting for some, it’s clear that it provides all participants with a welcoming and belonging feeling.
A big congratulations to our theater department for their amazing performance and dedication, as well as their impressive feats! There is no doubt that their next DTASC performances will be even more impressive.
