Marymount’s performing arts department has gone through quite the transformation over the summer! Marymount has a new program called CAP (Conservatory Arts Program). CAP is an umbrella under which all of Marymount’s talented performing artists and performing arts faculty collaborate on performances to showcase their passion for the arts. In fact, two exciting CAP events are coming up: the DTASC (Drama Teachers Association of Southern California) festival and the fall play, Much Ado About Nothing.

The highly anticipated DTASC festival was on October 26^th, and Marymount students competed and performed very well. Of late, DTASC has garnered many awards and accolades. In past years, many of Marymount’s girls’ scenes and monologues have reached the final stages of competition and have won trophies as high as first place.

DTASC’ers greatly enjoy acting and competing and are always excited to welcome new students into their dramatic family. They prepare for bi-annual competitions with a month and a half to two months of rehearsals during PREPS, lunches, and free periods. They even meet on the occasional Sunday. Laila Rodriques ‘15, third place winner for her scene during her freshman year, says, “It’s a lot of work, but it pays off once you see the judge’s smiling faces.” Now, you may be wondering how busy Marymount students are able to fit such a time-consuming activity in their schedules. Well, they do it because they truly have a passion for theatre. Plus, DTASC is great fun! Kimia Simab ‘16, a DTASC officer says, “I adore DTASC. My life is empty without it. It fills the void that is PREPS with copious amounts of joy.” That’s high praise.

Additionally, On November 8^th, 9^th and 10^th, eight weeks of preparation by actors, assistant directors, crew members and tech assistants will come together to bring life to “Much Ado About Nothing”. This Shakespearian delight is a tale of love, lies and deceit. Directed by the fantastic Ms. Claire Hackett, this charming play is bound to be a hit.

Indeed, both DTASC and the fall play are worthy ways of spending your time. Come support your fellow sailors at performances! You might even be inspired to audition for DTASC and Marymount Players in the spring.

DTASC students rehearse a scene as Mr. Schulte looks observes