News Across Rowland Unified Schools

The Nogales High School Drama Cast of DRACULA with Performances starting TONIGHT -- Oct. 24, 25 & 26 at the RUSD Performing Arts Center at 7 PM. Tickets $10.

You can feel the energy as Nogales High School Drama Teacher Abel Marquez and his students are in the last rehearsals before they unveil the iconic play, “DRACULA” this week at the RUSD Performing Arts Center…and they want YOU to experience the magic of the spooky season!

“I am an alumni of Nogales HS and performed this play when I was here," said Marquez. "I wanted to give students something to be excited about and – forgive the pun – a drama they could sink their teeth into!”

Marquez is a teaching artist at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Orange County, a freelance writer, producer and director, and is thrilled to return to teach at Nogales High School, where his love for the theater began. He attended Citrus College, transferred to Cal State University, Fullerton, and worked at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. Marquez is passionate about informing students about the career pathways available in theater education and that they can have a career in the arts and make a living at it. 

Meet the Cast...

Character Lucy Westenra

Nogales High School Senior Ariel Rendon flashes a quick smile as she describes the production and her character. “The whole show is very campy, dramatic and is edge of your seat fun,” said Rendon, who has been in drama all four years and is president of the Drama Club. “I play Lucy who is very innocent. She is engaged to Harker (played by Alan Alvarez pictured above) and never gets in trouble until Dracula comes along.” Rendon is excited about going to college and majoring in performing arts/theater. “I would love to be a high school theater teacher and give back to the community.” When asked if she has a dream school she practically squeals. “YES! Since second grade while at Telesis Academy, I have wanted to attend Cal State Fullerton!” Rendon is in the Nogales College and Career Bridge class that introduces students to a variety of future careers and the college application process.

Dracula

New to the theater, this is the first production for Senior Nathan So Valladares, who plays the lead as Dracula. In the story once Dracula catches a glimpse of the lovely Lucy that reminds him of his love from another century, the quest begins to make her his bride.

“I have always been very dramatic and my Mom was pushing me to join so I decided for once to have theater as an elective,” said So Valladares. “My senior year is going great and I have known what I have wanted to do for a long time. I want to go to college and study in an automotive program. I am working with our Automotive teacher Mr. Alvarado to learn about the various programs available.” But what makes his smile even bigger? “I am about to get my first car in December when I turn 18!”

Stage Manager Corina Mercado

Corina Mercado says the Dracula production is a family-friendly show that has wit and drama for everyone. “This is my first year as stage manager and I love that it taps into how I am at home… I can be a bit bossy, telling people what to do, but I am very organized! My siblings agree that stage management is a natural talent for me!” This busy Junior was assistant stage manager last year and is also involved in dance and many clubs. She also believes that a career in the arts or a teacher of the arts is in her future.

Students from Nogales, Rowland and Santana High Schools Took Part in the SoCal Trades Tour To See A Future of Possibilities in Career Tech Industries.

Rowland Unified is dedicated to exposing students to all career possibilities so they are empowered for the future of their choice! More than 1,800 juniors and seniors from Nogales, Rowland and Santana High Schools experienced the SoCalTrades Tour, learning firsthand from more than 50 local trade schools and businesses career technical education (CTE) opportunities available to them.

Armed with their cell phones in hand, students could scan QR codes with valuable information about the skilled professions, specialized training and certification programs from each business including potential salary earnings and current job openings.

Partners included the fields of health care, emergency medical training, insurance, engineering, county and government jobs, law enforcement and FBI, banking/finance, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, welding, automotive programs, beauty industries, music and visual production, game design, apprenticeships and workforce care development and much more.

Across Rowland Unified, schools celebrated National Hispanic Heritage Month with a variety of cultural activities that featured musical performances, art displays and hands-on learning.

October 24, 2024 Issue RUSD News Editor gward@rowlandschools.org

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