October 27, 2005

There’s no business like show business

Sneak preview of Pioneer’s new PAC garners rave reviews

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

“All the world’s a stage,” wrote William Shakes-peare. But if you’re an actor, it does help to have a theater.

Pioneer High School drama students file in to see the first glimpse of their new performing arts center.

Pioneer High School drama students and teachers received a sneak preview of their new performing arts center [PAC], slated to open by the end of the year. And to christen the theater, they wrote their names and sentiments on the back wall of the stage. It will soon be sheet rocked.

“I wanted them to see how the PAC looks,” said Pioneer drama teacher Steve Dini. “And as the years go by, they can say ‘my name is there.’”

Pioneer’s performing art center was destroyed by arson in 2003. Two suspects were brought to court: 18-year-old Marco Flores pleaded no contest and a 17-year-old juvenile pleaded guilty.

The following two years the drama department carried on, shuttling the plays to other venues for the thespians to perform and even creating an outdoor stage at the school. But now the drama students are excitedly looking forward to the first play to be performed at the new PAC. “West Side Story” is scheduled for April in the 500-seat theater.

Students scribed their names and sentiments about the new PAC.Photos by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

“This is great,” said new Principal Sandy Engel [who was formerly principal at Castillero Middle School]. “I love the high school level. There is so much spirit. It’s really fun.”

And the drama students are as thrilled as the educators about their new PAC.

“I’m so excited,” said senior Heather Batch-elder as she wrote “Break a leg” on the wall. “It’s going to be great!”

Freshman Britni Grellman was also thrilled, scribing “Best luck to the PAC,” while dreaming of a part in the spring musical.

“And the men and women merely players,” wrote Shakespeare.

But for the drama students of Pioneer High School, a new stage suits them just fine.