Monsignor Edward Pace High School’s Drama Program has had an eventful summer beginning as early as June 1 when Cristina Pla-Guzman, lead teacher for the Academy of Visual and Performing Arts Theatre Program, directed Class of 2015 Pace alumni Christopher Cheng, Cristina Delgado, and Frank De la Oliva, along with Pace senior Antonio Rodriguez in the one-act play “Drive Safely.” The play was part of the South Florida Theatre League’s Stages of the Sun.
Rodriguez and seniors Brittany Gonzalez and Alexandra Vazquez, along with Jamie Adelson, a Class of 2015 Pace alumna, were awarded scholarships to attend the CityWrights Miami playwriting conference from June 26 through 28. Adelson also had her play “RM 2214” read at the Area Stage in Coral Gables as part of Stages of the Sun.
Pace Drama led a two-week acting Spartan Boot Camp for students ages 12-18, culminating in a special performance for the campers’ parents on June 19. Pla-Guzman stayed busy as well as she attended a workshop for movement, voice, acting and improve at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City in July.
As the school year begins, Pace Drama is already celebrating with the upcoming grand opening of their new Black Box Theatre on the Pace campus. The Theatre will allow for drama students to practice their acting, singing, and technical skills and prepare for performances in a dedicated and exclusive space.
The Drama program is inviting all of its alumni for a ribbon cutting ceremony in the coming weeks. Students are also looking forward to their productions for the 2015-2016 school year, starting with their Fall 2015 play “Night of the Living Dead” and moving on to their Spring 2016 musical “Chicago”.