Drama Club creates a community

Breeze Dahl

Photo Courtesy of Giselle Andrade

Taken during a rehearsal, some of the cheerleaders have fun behind the scenes. Backstage, the actors grew closer and made friends

Drama club is a time where many students feel like they are free of judgement, and they can express themselves how they want.

As Riverton High School’s Drama Club rehearsed for their musical this year—a rendition of High School Musical—students stayed after school most days for many hours, and worked as hard as they could to make sure the show went well. Working so often with each other, it’s easy for some of the students to bond over their common passion with each other quickly.

“I think what makes the drama club different is just how easy it is to feel at home and make friends. The people are so welcoming and never judge you for being yourself,” Giselle Andrade (12) noted. She was in the musical and is in Drama Club. “I can definitely say it has helped me make a lot of friends and I’m so grateful that it helped me come out of my shell. Coming from someone who grew up kind of shy, the musical and theatre itself has helped me become a more outgoing person and find my people,” Andrade shared.

“Something that is so special about this community is how incredibly talented and dedicated they are. So many of my friends who are in it put so much of their time and effort into what they love and it’s so cool to see. They are for sure some of the most hardworking people I know.” Andrade elaborated. She recognized the Riverton High students for their hard work they put into everything, whether it’s a rehearsal or performance. She has noticed the dedication in many students and the work they put in to make sure it pays off.

This club and this musical have become safe spaces for many students. “I came in the club as a homeschooled kid, joining as a freshman, so I didn’t know anyone,” Gabi Carneiro (12) shared. She is the improv captain, a member of drama club and played the role of the mascot— “the Wildcat”— in the musical. “I made a lot of friends; I love goofing off with everyone during rehearsal,” Carneiro explained.

Here at Riverton High School, the Drama Club and all participants in the musical have become a real community that has allowed many students to connect with others and be themselves.

The Drama Club also participates in many different activities and events, one of them being the annual Utah Shakespeare Festival. This is where participants perform Shakespearean monologues, scenes, and ensembles.

After the participants performed their acts during a school assembly for the student body, they performed them all at the 2025 festival. The acting ensemble placed third, the tech lighting placed first and the tech rigging placed first.

“I know that Drama Club really wants students to feel seen, recognized and welcome. Most of our socials are not related to drama but invite students to interact with each other,” Erin Mcguire, Drama Club advisor, explained. Drama Club does more than just performances, they also have many activities designed to help the students build a relationship with one another.

Photo Courtesy of Gabi Carneiro

Taken during the process of making the set for High School Musical, students work together during a rehearsal and show what some of the preparation looked like for the musical.

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