Lights! Cameras? Action!

The Palo Alto Theatre Program may not have cameras, but it has the lights and plenty of action, both on stage and in the wings.

The theatre program is not just for Drama majors. All Palo Alto students are given the opportunity to participate in actual stage productions. Those who are interested in pursuing a career in the Dramatic Arts are also given a chance to strut their stuff.

This spring, a full stage production with a Hispanic theme will be presented. The drama, "Spirit of Hispania," will run April 7, 8 and 9 at the Palo Alto College Theatre promptly  at 7:30 pm. Admission is free and open to the public.

The production brings Hispanic tales  and Mexican folklore to life on stage. Five tales will be adapted and narrated by a Mexican cuentista or storyteller. One of the tales adapted will be "La Llorona," a famous ghost story about a crying woman who is believed to still haunt the darkness from Mexico to Arizona.

The play is directed by Ann Turner, director of Palo Alto's Drama Department, and will involve more Palo Alto students than any other Palo Alto production ever before.

The cast includes Kristabel Aguero, a freshman Drama major; E’owyn Anderson, a sophomore Education major;  Jesse Contreras, a freshman; David Dean Gomez, a sophomore; Chrissy Greenhaw, a sophomore Drama major; Henry Groenleer, a freshman Aviation major; Tamedra Jones, a freshman Drama major; Jason Reed, a freshman Drama major; Rudy Rodriguez Jr., a freshman Drama major; Micah Rowden, a freshman; Priscilla Stanley, a freshman Communications major; with stage management by Edward Wise, a sophomore English major.

Palo Alto has done Hispanic-themed theatre in the past. The play, "Dog Lady," was performed on campus in the spring of 1990 and was directed by Chuck Squier, former director of the Drama Department. "It’s very important that we have Chicano theatre on campus to be able to see past the usual stereotypes for an Hispanic production," said Squier.

Those interested in helping with sound, lighting, sets, props and house management may contact Kim Corbin, Drama Department Lab Tech, at  921-5334.

"The program may not offer classes in tech yet, but the best way you can learn is by doing it," Corbin said.

Henry Groenleer, an Aviation major and Palo Alto student actor said, "Of course it’s not for everyone, but it’s good experience and also helps overcome the fear of speaking in front of people."

The Palo Alto theatre program has also been an active source of entertainment for the surrounding community since 1987. One facet of the program, the Children’s Theatre Tour, has given local elementary students the gift of children’s theatre.

The tour entertains between 3,000 and 5,000 children each semester, leaving a lasting impact on the children and the actors.

Rudy Rodriguez Jr., a freshman Drama major at Palo Alto, said: "Being a part of the Children’s Tour is a lot of fun. The kids inspire me to do more and really accomplish something as a person and as an actor."

The Children’s Tour performed "In Other Words" last month at five area elementary schools. The spirited play was targeted to students ages four through six and used colorful scenes to illustrate the importance of  language and its development.
 The play was directed by Ann Turner, with assistant direction and stage management by Jason Reed and Chrissy Greenhaw.

The cast included Deanie Compton, a freshman Drama major;
Charley McMullan, a sophomore Drama major; Henry Groenleer, Priscilla Stanley, Rudy Rodriguez Jr.  and Edward Wise.

Drama classes offered at Palo Alto  include Theatre Appreciation, Acting I, Acting II, Technical Production (where students get credit for working on a theatre production), Stage Makeup, Voice and Diction, Creative Dramatics (a class that combines creativity and dramatics for those who plan to work with children) and Oral Interpretation of Literature.

Squier said that the number one reason to get involved in theatre is to build self confidence. He also noted that theatre is an activity that people can enjoy and take part in throughout their lifetime.

"If there is an interest , check it out," said Squier. " There is room for everyone. Acting is not just for the beautiful people."

Contact Ann Turner, 921-5046, for more information.