Sedona Red Rock High School Revives Theatre Program with Exciting New Vision

During a meeting on November 5, April Payne, a member of the Sedona-Oak Creek School District Governing Board, proposed the revival of the district’s dormant theatre program. She shared insights from conversations with parents who are weighing their options between Mingus Union High School and Sedona Red Rock High School. The positive reputation of Mingus’ theatre department was highlighted as a significant factor influencing their decisions.

Mingus Union High School’s A Troupe of Ridiculous Thespians recently produced Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express” and are now in rehearsals for an upcoming Broadway-style revue. Responding to the proposal, Superintendent Tom Swaninger expressed his commitment to restarting the program but acknowledged the primary challenge lies in finding a qualified individual to lead it.

“I completely agree that having the right person is essential for developing a thriving performing arts program,” Swaninger stated. He noted the district’s past efforts to recruit suitable candidates had not been successful. He envisions the theatre program being structured as an afterschool club, similar to sports teams, with a compensation model reflecting those roles. Head coaches in the district currently earn around $4,189 yearly, while assistant and junior high coaches receive $2,205.

Launching the program may require an investment of $10,000 to $20,000 to cover expenses such as sets, costumes, and script rights. “If we can find someone with the right skills and passion, we will find a way to make it happen,” Swaninger remarked, adding hope that a spring production could be feasible if the process moves quickly.

Individuals interested in leading the theatre initiative at Sedona Red Rock High School are encouraged to contact Principal Heather Isom at (928) 204-6712 or via email at Isom@SedonaK12.org.

In another community initiative, the city of Sedona’s Sustainability Department collaborated with Gardens for Humanity to host a garden cleanup day at West Sedona School on Saturday, November 16. Local residents volunteered to enhance the school garden, preparing it for future educational use.

Young volunteer Teresita Lopez was seen actively participating by removing dead weeds and grass from the site. Alisa Stieg, Principal of West Sedona School, expressed optimism, stating that once the garden is functional, cool-season crops will be planted, integrating various academic subjects such as writing and science into the outdoor learning experience.

Gardens for Humanity has a longstanding relationship with the school, developing gardens and conducting art and cultural projects. The organization has previously run programs like “Celebrating the Art in Earth,” which fused environmental education with artistic endeavors until the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted their activities.

This year, Gardens for Humanity received $4,500 from Sedona’s small grants program to support afterschool arts and gardening initiatives. The nonprofit has also initiated gardening electives for middle school students and assisted teachers in implementing garden-based lessons. Stieg noted the garden had not been utilized since the former garden teacher relocated and that administrative changes contributed to its inactivity.

In light of this, Stieg emphasized the need for new volunteers and a dedicated garden teacher to help revitalize the space as an outdoor classroom and STEAM lab.