Hialeah Miami Lakes Senior High School (HML) is reviving its Drama program, the very same that produced the likes of Vincent D’Onofrio of “Law and Order: Criminal Intent,” and Maria Canal-Barrera, best known for her role on Disney’s “Wizards of Waverly Place.”
The program has been out of commission for about five years but was brought back to the spotlight with the help of last year’s new school principal, Eric Acosta, who has worked hard to fan the flame of school spirit by including programs that students were eager for, such as drama and dance.
“He devoted significant time to finding the resources within his budget to make those classes a reality,” said new drama teacher, Colleen Kiah. “Judging by the well-over 300 students who have signed up for my classes alone, I would say the students are very appreciative of Mr. Acosta’s efforts.”
Kiah was previously an English teacher and Reading Interventionist for HML before her current position of drama teacher. Despite her recent roles, Kiah has had several years of experience teaching drama for two different schools in Central New York. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Secondary English Education for Writing and Literature, a Master’s degree in Secondary English Education for Writing and Literature and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in School Leadership.
“I am extremely pleased and honored to have been chosen for this position. How often does a teacher get the opportunity to build and guide a program from scratch? It’s very exciting!” said Kiah. “I want the classes to be active, engaging, and fun so I plan on doing a variety of activities every day from yoga to improv. In between we will study the mechanics of theater, not just acting, but costuming, makeup, lighting/sound, back of house and front of house responsibilities.”
Kiah’s personal favorite plays are “The Crucible” and “A Streetcar Named Desire,” no doubt, having read them so often for her English courses, Kiah is well-acquainted with the characters and readings. Kiah plans to launch the first year of the drama program with a series on One-Act plays instead of a single production as a way to get many students on stage while limiting expenditures.
Kiah will also be collaborating with other classes, such as the English Department while readings of plays are being completed. She has also found interest from departments like Music and Art which together can create a multi-faceted and creative environment for students and future productions.
As for the revival of the drama program, Kiah believes in the importance of the arts within the educational setting.
“The theater allows students to live the lives of others, to learn from the characters’ mistakes without having to actually make those mistakes themselves,” said Kiah. “More pragmatically, the skills learned on and off the stage will assist our students in their futures, no matter what fields they choose. Organization, planning, memorization, presentation, discipline - these are all skills imperative to not only the theater, but to life.”