LAKE HIGHLANDS HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE

The Lake Highlands Drama Club started in 1966, at least that was the first mention of it in the vintage yearbooks Director Julie Bryan scoured to find historical information about the Lake Highlands theatre program. Bryan, an East Dallas native who grew up close to Lake Highlands, is brand-new to LHHS but not to teaching. She previously directed at her alma mater, DISD’s Bryan Adams High School. Today, says Bryan, the purpose of the Lake Highlands Theatre Department (LHTD) is “to empower individuals to tell stories through the powerful medium of self-expression. Through engaging theatrical productions, the department nurtures and celebrates the unique voices of its members.”

Bryan wants students to believe in and trust in their own abilities and become lifelong learners. She reflects, “As participants engage in the creative process, they not only refine their artistic skills but also build strong connections and a sense of community. Each production is a unique journey, offering opportunities for growth and self-discovery, making theatre a truly life-changing experience for everyone it embraces.”

She also loves her students’ ideas and finds that students often have insight or inspiration that she would have never even considered. When working as an ensemble, Bryan says, “we have the opportunity to build a production together from page to stage. When my students put forth suggestions for scenes or designs changes, those suggestions can make a moment in the play deeper and more meaningful.”

Bryan reminisces fondly about a student who left a lasting impression as many students do. The young man struggled with confidence in his designs and would even throw them away before she had an opportunity to give him direction. In time, she discovered his natural talent for sound design. When they did the production of a steam punk Peter Pan, he planned every moment, every sound effect and gear noise, and even the music for intermission.

Ultimately Bryan appointed him to leadership positions in her department and he became her strongest technician, rising to every occasion and “leading the younger technicians with the same gusto of a sergeant leading a battalion into battle,” recalls Bryan. She is excited to find her next “surprise” leader.

Lake Highlands has several exciting shows coming up this year, the first of which is CLUE, to be performed the second weekend in October, followed by a Theatre for Young Audiences performance in November. In the spirit of the holidays, the group will put on Ebeneezer Scrooge in December. The Little Mermaid will kick off the spring schedule, followed by a UIL One Act Play public performance in March. The play will be announced later this year.

For more information about the Lake Highlands theatre program, go to http://lhhstheatre.membershiptoolkit.com