History Of TJHSST Drama
At this time another club emerged, which was The Shakespeare Troupe. They were a student group that produced classic Shakespeare during eighth periods. It has grown so in popularity that they now produce two full Shakespearian shows and a Frosh fest of Shakespeare for new students. All of these are now produced during the evening hours to applauding audiences.
As luck would have it, I was hired in 1997 to be the theatre teacher as well as the theatre sponsor. I was introduced to a very close-knit group of independent students that had basically kept the TJ theatre program alive for the past five years. The department had come a long way from 1985 and it was only going to get stronger. The technicians were students with an extensive knowledge of lighting design, sound design and stage construction. Actors were freshman thru seniors. The program included four or five student directed one acts, a large winter play and a large spring play or musical (every other year). This has continued and will continue long after many of us are gone.
At TJ the students have an unusually active role in the theatre department. Students, with a sponsors support, do all the tech. Play reading is strongly encouraged and plays and ideas are discussed between students and sponsor. The show sets are strongly constructed and designed by students. Lights and sound reflect the creative engineering qualities of the TJ student. During one year, there are four full-length shows, four student directed one acts, Frosh fest and numerous competitions. For the last eight years TJ drama and Shakespeare troupe have garnered many awards from best ensemble, best actor/actress, most talented and many more. The program culminated last year with nine Cappie nominations and two wins for [Best Featured Actress in a Musical] and [Best Song] in a musical. As I retired, the department is now in the capable hands of Vincent Pollet and Judy Bello. I imagine nothing but wonderful shows and great reviews. Long live TJ Theatre.