Under the guidance of Ms. Joanna Fontanillas, Bishop Amat’s theater director and teacher of the advanced theater class, four students were handpicked to craft and cultivate their own productions.
In the halls of Amat High School’s Performing Arts Center (PAC), history was quietly made as the curtain rose on the inaugural production of the advanced theater class. Under the seasoned guidance of Ms. Fontanillas, a group of talented students embarked on a journey of artistic discovery, culminating in a triumphant finale that left audiences captivated and inspired.
Ms. Jo, the visionary supervisor of the theater program, reflected on the exhilarating ride of bringing this ambitious project to life.
“It has been a rollercoaster of a ride, but it’s been fun,” said Fontanillas. “Since this is the first year that Amat has an advanced theater class, I thought it would be a wonderful idea for those four students to direct the shows. Seeing their creative decisions and artistic choices come together and witnessing the different styles that they direct has been a really fun process.”
Among the students at the helm of this theatrical endeavor was Aster Bazyouros, whose connection to the final show ran deep.
“I’ve been sentimental, especially because the show I picked was my first ever show here,” said Bazyouros. “So I feel really connected to it and excited that it’s my last show here because it’s a full circle.”
For Emily Medina, who took on the daunting task of directing as a junior, the opportunity was both a privilege and a challenge.
“I feel honored that I got chosen because there are a lot of really talented seniors, and out of the four, I got chosen,” said Medina. “I’m like, ‘okay, this means I’m a big shot.’ I have to prove it with the show. I’m proud of my cast and how they did. It’s a really tough show with a lot of lines, but I knew they could do it, and I chose the best people. I feel like I proved myself as a director.”
As the final curtain fell on Tuesday, April 25th, the resounding applause echoed the culmination of months of dedication, hard work, and unbridled passion. Through Ms. Jo’s mentorship and the unwavering commitment of students like Aster and Emily, the Amat advanced theater class had not only staged a remarkable series of shows but had also forged lasting memories and friendships in the process.
With the success of this inaugural endeavor, the future of the advanced theater class at Amat High School shines bright, promising more tales of creativity, collaboration, and the transformative power of the stage for years to come.
