Welcome To WRT!
The West Ranch High School Theater Department has a vivid history of showcasing a variety of performances and productions that demonstrate our students' talents and the department's commitment to quality theater. Now dubbed “West Ranch Theatre,” that tradition of quality and excellence continues!
Our Mission
West Ranch Theatre consists of five major components and student groups: Performers, Crew, Tech and Tech Designers, Stagecraft and Competition Core. These groups are organized within three Classroom Settings: Theatre III Advanced Production, Theatre Stagecraft and Theatre II Intermediate Production. Theatre I stands alone as an introductory class in which students develop and determine their interests and skill sets. The goal of West Ranch Theatre is to treat the classroom as a working theatre company, wherein productions and performances are student led, with guidance from the Teacher/Program Director. This offers as close to a real world and career oriented experience as possible.
History
The Theatre Arts program began in 2005, the same year that the West Ranch campus opened. Originally staging their plays and musicals in classrooms, the department eventually moved its productions to the school theater after its completion in 2009. Since its first production, the program has put on numerous musicals, student-written plays and much more, aimed at both families and traditional audiences. Chris Cook was the founding director, dubbing the group “West Ranch Drama.” During this time, the program established its roots and enjoyed many successes, both competitively and at the box office. Since Mr. Cook’s time, WRT has undergone a few different iterations, Including “West Ranch Theater Arts,” as well as being led by other knowledgeable and dedicated theatre masters such as Michael T. Smith and Justin Barnes. In 2023, Mr. Jarod Scott Spradling took over as the new Program Director, adopting new branding and a new direction.
Future Endeavors
West Ranch Theatre plans to explore new avenues in the years ahead. This includes a functional scene shop and technical theatre curriculum, more vigorous regional theatre competition, California Thespian membership, student playwriting with an annual playwrights’ festival and a structured three production main stage season. By focusing on student artist growth and quality productions, West Ranch Theatre aims to instill in its students a lifelong passion for the arts. Equipping them with the skills, confidence, and creativity to succeed in their future endeavors, whether it be on stage or behind the scenes.
