(SPS) -- Summer is typically a time of relaxation for many.
For the Sapulpa High School Theatre department, it's time to bring back former students to share their knowledge with current and future students of the arts.
Theatre Director Becky Braswell has lined up workshops in June and July for students in middle school through high school and who plan to enroll in a speech, drama, debate, or choir class.
Braswell reached out to past students and invited them to share their experience and knowledge by teaching theatre-related subjects. The RSVPs poured in. There are currently 10 Sapulpa High School alumni slated to lead at least one workshop.
“I'm so proud of the students who have passed through my program and followed their passions for the arts,” said Braswell. “It will be my absolute delight to step back and let them share their passions, knowledge, and experiences with this generation of theatre students.”
From dance and improv to playwriting and auditioning, there is no shortage of subjects for students to participate in. The list of workshops and the former students leading them include:
Dance to In the Heights with Amanda Vavra. Vavra is a former Sapulpa Ping Ping, and later, Ping coach, and choreographer for Sapulpa High School's presentation of In the Heights. She studied dance at Point Park University, has taught dance, and owned Inspire Dance Studio for several years.
Playwriting & Screenwriting with Jace Hyman. Hyman is a former Competitive Speech and Theatre student. He performs at Spotlight Theatre, has studied script writing at TCC, and was featured in their Original Play Festival.
Improv with Katie Carter. Carter is a former Competitive Speech competitor and debater, studied law at OU, is a roller derby competitor, and is a member of a professional improv troupe in OKC.
Movement with Allie Bush. Bush was a theatre student, choir member, Regional One - Act Contest cast member, including the year Sapulpa High School won first place. She performed in the high school productions of West Side Story, Curtains, and Putnam County Spelling Bee. Bush studied counseling and minored in theatre at East Central University.
Character Creation with Linsey McCollum. McCollum competed in Competitive Speech, a former Theatre President, member of The Shakespearean Lip - Syncing Sensations, performed in Sapulpa High School’s production of In the Heights, and studied English & Speech Education at Oklahoma University.
Auditioning with Michael Stewart - Stewart is a former Sapulpa High School theatre student, choir member, performed in SHS's productions of Godspell, Guys & Dolls, and played Danny in Grease. He studied theatre at the University of Central Oklahoma, is a professional entertainer on Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships, as well as a podcast creator and host.
Costume Quick Change with Tiffany Quinton. Quinton is a former theatre student, Competitive Speech competitor and President, choir member, Regional One - Act Contest cast member, member of The Shakespearean Lip - Syncing Sensations, in Sapulpa High School's productions of The Sound of Music, The Addams Family Musical, and In the Heights. She was an Oklahoma Thespians State Officer and studied theatre at University of the Ozarks. Quinton is an actress and costumer at Prairie Repertory Theatre in South Dakota.
Acting with Ana Nunez. Nunez is a former theatre student, choir member, Competitive Speech competitor, Oklahoma Thespians State Officer, Regional One - Act Contest cast member, member of Sapulpa's Lip - Syncing Sensations, and performed in Sapulpa High School's productions of The Addams Family Musical and Annie. She is studying theatre at Tulsa Community College where she has been in a number of productions.
Sound Tech Workshop with Matt Daniels. Daniels is a former theatre student, band member of The Secret Post, musician, voiceover artist, writer, sound engineer, podcast creator, classic movie fan and critic.
Students who are interested in participating, should contact Mrs. Braswell at
[email protected] for more information.