Every year at Pacifica, students in the performing arts at our school showcase their talents through a series of performances. As the school year comes to an end, the Drama class is preparing for its second and final performance, while the PHS vocal and instrumental departments plan to present their annual variety show. These events highlight the dedication and growth these students have invested from the very beginning of the year to the end. Along with that, they provide performers with a meaningful opportunity to be recognized by their efforts and artistic development throughout the year.

This year, the Drama class held their end of the year show, called The Alibis by Johnathan Dorf on Friday April 24th, at 4:00 and 6:00 PM in the PHS Auditorium. When interviewing Ms. Contreras, who is one of the teachers involved in the Drama show’s production, who mentioned how the performance is primarily organized by the students at Pacifica’s drama class as they are almost all the cast and crew for it. Furthermore, when asked if there were any challenges during the process, Contreras points out that in theater, setbacks are always bound to happen. In spite of that, she always tells her class, “the show goes on.” From her standpoint as a teacher, she explains that the value of a show’s production is not only based on the results but rather your own willingness to try and the time spent, bonding with your team. For that reason, Ms. Contreras gives credit to her students for their efforts in moving forward and embracing the nature of what there is in both the ups and downs that came with the process of preparing for this show because of how they would “encourage, hold each other accountable, and do their best to step up and support” one another. She goes on to explain that, “I think theater, the arts, and performances are important, especially in high school, because the stage provides a home and a voice that may not be found otherwise as people are finding out who they are. As a student, theater gave me the push to get outside of my shell—and I think it has the power to provide that for other students, too. I don’t think I would have the willingness to speak in front of masses everyday if I didn’t push myself to perform in front of masses first. Even if students choose not to go into theater for a living, it is an incredibly fun way to find friends, be a part of a whole, and find your voice.”

Along with the Drama class’ showcase, the PHS Vocal and Instrumental departments also performed their annual Variety Show and final performance of the year on May 1st at 6:30 PM at Don Wash Auditorium in Garden Grove High School’s campus. Moreover, it was also an event where parents and students alike were able to see our school’s Nationally Award Winning Encore set, titled “The Heist.” When asking Mr. Joseph, who is the teacher organizer for this event on what the show features, he explains how there are performances by Encore, Unified Song & Dance, A Cappella, Varsity Choir, Commercial Music, String Orchestra, Symphonic Band, and Individual Acts featuring our Vocal Music Seniors. When asked about the directing for this production and if any challenges occurred, Mr. Joseph explains how the students would prepare through daily rehearsals with their ensembles and that the main obstacle they faced was the scheduling for the show itself. That is due to how both the Vocal and Instrumental departments have recently participated in recent National competition. Hence, preparing for this short timespan is exhausting for the planners and performers involved. Moreover, when asking Mr. Joseph on why events, such as the Variety show at Pacifica are important, he states, “This is a very important show. It is the culmination of a full year of hard work. For our seniors, this is their last major performance before graduation. The arts are so important to not only the performers but to the whole community.”

These final showcases from the performing art electives at our Pacifica serve more beyond entertainment as they represent the culmination of the time to prepare for this moment and their own growth within these groups. After all, the success of the performances from the Drama class as well as Vocal and Instrumental departments are an evident display of the hard work and dedication they put into it. Moreover, it reveals the passion they themselves have for the arts and their own willingness to grow their skills within this category. By attending these types of events, we are able to celebrate the artistic talent of these students at our school as well as acknowledge the impact they have left at these final showcases, especially for Pacifica’s graduating seniors. In doing so, we are also able to continue recognizing the value of the art electives at our schools ourselves and the community they create for those passionate about it.