Theater, one of the oldest and primary arts, is one of the electives at Miami High for those who are interested in drama. This class can be taken at 4 different levels, with levels 3 and 4 being honors classes.

The theater program is led by Ms. Brooks, the theatre arts teacher. Born in Miami, she started performing in middle school, and then went to the performing arts magnet program at Miami Northwestern Senior High School.

She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech / Theater, and has been teaching drama for 13 years here at Miami High. During periods 1 & 8 she teaches Advanced Drama; during periods 3, 4, 5 and 7 she teaches Beginning Drama; and during period 2 she teaches Theater, Film & Cinema.

She has 24 students in her 8^th period Advanced Drama class which has participated in Thespian competitions at the district and state levels.

“I love the creativity and talent of my 8^th period class,” said Ms. Brooks. “Sometimes, they can become overzealous and energetic, but they mean well.”

She recommends to her new students to keep an open mind and develop self-discipline. These two attributes will allow them to succeed in her class.   “My primary goal is for my students to tap into and trust their own creative power,” said Ms. Brooks.

Students select this drama class for different reasons. Chavely Echevarria, a junior in level, said that her hobby is to act. She thinks it’s very interesting to learn new things every class and the practice they get helps them to progress and be better actors.

Sebastian Gamboa, a sophomore in level 2, said, “I want to be an actor, and in this class I will prepare for my future career and I’m learning a lot.”

Jasmine Mendoza a junior in level 3, said, “This class is always fun but can challenge your creativity. Over all, it is a great experience.”

Kevin Ramirez, a junior in level 3, said, “I like that in this class we can express our emotions and release our creativity.”

Some students are shy. What does Ms. Brooks do to help them? “From day one I instill in them that participation is not an option,” she said. “It’s either fight or flight. The ones who are shy fight through it because they have no choice and they get a great reward in the end. The others take flight and never learn how great they could be at something new.”

Some students dedicate their time outside of school to practice their drama skills. Chavely Echevarria said that when they have a show, she stays after school for rehearsals.  Sebastian Gamboa said, “I practice for two hours every day whatever the teacher has taught in class.”