Class Play Performances

Each year, all Theatre classes selected, produced, and performed a play in class. I served as the "producer" of the plays, while students took on the roles of actors, designers, directors, and stage managers. To showcase their work, I invited 2–3 other extracurricular classes to join as the audience during each class period's performance. I intentionally scheduled these performances around the time class choice sheets were distributed to students. This strategic timing allowed audience members to experience firsthand what the program offered. For many students, it was their first time seeing a Theatre production, so we held Q&A sessions with the cast and crew afterward to engage them further. As a result, Theatre enrollment consistently increased, with many students ranking it high on their class choice sheets after attending a class play performance.

Rising Student Events

The Bronco Theatre Department was involved in events for incoming students each year, including 5th Grade Invasion and Open House. At these events, I spoke with students and families about our curriculum, productions, and extracurricular opportunities. Current Bronco Theatre students participated, connecting with incoming students by leading Theatre games and performing highlights from classwork and/or ongoing productions. Students were encouraged to ask questions about the program, and I often invited current students to answer when appropriate, allowing prospective students to hear directly from their peers. To continue engagement after the event, I provided handouts with my contact information and details about the program, ensuring families could easily follow up with additional questions or requests for guidance.

Student Celebrations

Class celebrations were held at the end of each semester and following each production to recognize and reward students. Attendance was tied to behavior, creating an incentive for students to meet expectations. For end-of-semester celebrations, The Advanced Theatre students were allowed to invite one guest—another student not enrolled in Theatre—with permission from their teacher and myself. These celebrations gave guests an exciting, behind-the-scenes glimpse of the program beyond the productions and class projects, generating new interest and excitement. These events not only built community but also contributed to the program's enrollment growth each year.

Peer Lead Workshops

Toward the end of the school year, I would invite Advanced Theatre students as well as some of my former students in high school, to observe a Theatre I performance featuring 6th grade students. The older students worked with Theatre I students, providing feedback, facilitating activities, and sharing their personal experiences in the program. These workshops gave younger Theatre students the opportunity to interact with peer leaders, piquing their interest in joining Advanced Theatre and taking on leadership roles in the future. This mentorship approach created enthusiasm and built a strong bridge between grade levels, boosting engagement and interest in the program.

Mean Girls Jr. (2024)

Cast and Crew at Closing Party

Mean Girls Jr. (2024)

Closing Night Bows

Lafayette No. 1 (2023)

Cast and Crew at UIL One Act Play Contest

Playhouse on the Square (2018)

Summer Workshop

Costume Design Unit (2021)

Example Student Work

Recycled Costumes Project (2024)

Example Student Work

Lafayette No. 1 by Mandy Conner (2023)

Directed by Miranda Perkins

Lafayette No. 1 by Mandy Conner (2023)

Directed by Miranda Perkins

Lafayette No. 1 by Mandy Conner (2023)

Directed by Miranda Perkins

Lafayette No. 1 by Mandy Conner (2023)

Directed by Miranda Perkins

Schoolhouse Rock Jr. (2023)

Directed by Miranda Perkins

Mean Girls Jr. (2024)

Directed by Miranda Perkins