SIATech South Bay Independent Study High School (SBIS), located in Chula Vista, has been proactive in making connections with various local theaters such as The Old Globe, Cygnet Theatre, Diversionary Theatre, San Diego Latino Film Festival, and the San Diego Opera House. As a result, each season, the Educational Directors from these organizations contact Independent Study Teacher, Nadia Ramirez to invite their students to free student matinees for all their most renowned shows.
Once Ms. Ramirez is offered tickets she posts the flyers to their school's Google Chat to advertise on a first-come first-serve basis. As soon as she has gathered a group of students they go over the shows' premise and background knowledge. Miss Ramirez shared that most of the time, the theaters themselves come to their school for a pre-show workshop with their students.
SBIS has been busy attending various shows this month. On April 17th Vietca Do, the Arts Engagement Programs Manager at The Old Globe invited SBIS to watch Ride the Musical.
Students really enjoyed the show and had very positive things to say. "The set was quite impressive, and the use of special effects truly wowed me," said SBIS student Kenneth Carroll.
"The musical Ride was an amazing performance, I enjoyed the emotions and magic being performed by the actors. I loved how two actors were able to perform the whole show becoming different characters to help tell the story," said SBIS student, Melak Alzubaidy.
On April 24, SBIS was double-booked in the morning to watch Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 at Cygnet Theatre.
“As always when we go, I like to show the students around Old Town with its quaint shops and historical landmarks. As we are a small group, we often get the best seats in the house. We were seated on stage,” said Ms. Ramirez.
Student Melak Alzubaidy shared their thoughts on the performances.
"My experience at the musical Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 was inspiring, the performances and set were outstanding. I felt connected to the characters in the story and was left astonished with how much feeling and teamwork the actors demonstrated with each other.”
After a fun day, attending an incredible show the day did not end there.
“On the same day, we attended the opera for a late-night dress rehearsal and had the honor of attending Madama Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini. I took 4 students and 2 parents and each student, being their first time at the opera, was mesmerized by the grandeur of the opera house,” said Ms. Ramirez.
First time Opera attendee and SBIS student Elizabeth Gontes stated, "So it was my first time going to the opera. I found it to be really interesting and delightful, the whole experience was nice. I like that our school offers different field trips so students can enjoy different activities.”
SBIS students have had the privilege of attending so many wonderful events thanks to the connections Ms. Ramirez has made.
“The Visual and Performing Arts are something I hold dear to my heart and wish to share with our students who have not had the opportunity to experience professional performing arts in our own city. Already, students are expressing an interest to venture in the field of Theatre Arts or even starting their own Drama Club. Through these experiences, students are finding their voice while connecting with characters who share their inner-most thoughts. To quote Melak Alzubaidy, who is often in attendance, 'I've enjoyed all of them so much. They keep passing my expectations,'" shared Ms. Ramirez.
Thank you to SBIS and Ms. Ramirez for working so diligently to give students the best experiences while they are at SIATech South Bay High School!