Cast members of the upcoming
musical James and the Giant Peach at Monarch High School. {David Volz}
The Monarch High School Drama Club is earning recognition while building a solid program.
In March, the club, International Thespian Society Troop 7219, participated in the National Theatre in Our Schools campaign.
According to theatre director Tatiana Ahlbum, the students conducted a spirit week to raise awareness of the importance of drama at Monarch. They had a Zoom meeting with Florida Representative Christine Hunschovsky to discuss ways to encourage state legislators to provide more funding for school theater programs and make a presentation to the Coconut Creek Commission. On March 14, the club presented the Seniors and Superiors Showcase.
The Monarch theatre students will travel to Tampa from March 19 to 22 to compete in the Florida State Thespian Festival. This festival is considered the largest one in the nation, with more than 9,000 students and adults. The students will enter two set design pieces, two contrasting monologues, a solo, and a dual-acting presentation.
“We are looking forward to the Thespian Festival and expect a positive experience there,” said Ahlbum.
After they return, the theater students will prepare for their upcoming musical, “James and the Giant Peach,” which will be performed on April 16 and 17. The students are excited to bring this entertaining story to life on stage.
Theater is a way for members to express themselves and make lasting friendships. Savanah Tessler, a junior who lives in Coconut Creek, is excited about the upcoming play. “I will play a spider. It is fun to be in theater, and we have a great community,” she said.
Jillian Lajoie, a senior of Coconut Creek and a costume lead and executive board member, enjoys the theater community. “I have learned a lot and had much fun,” she said.
Got News in Coconut Creek? Send it Here. Don’t Miss reading NW Broward County’s #1 News Sites: Parkland Talk, Coconut Creek Talk, Coral Springs Talk, Margate Talk, Tamarac Talk, and Sunrise FL Talk.
Author Profile
Latest entries
NewsNovember 6, 2026Eduardo Morales is Honored as Margate’s Employee of the Year
NewsNovember 5, 2026Margate Receives $1 Million in Grant Funding for Park Improvements
NewsOctober 25, 2026Margate Fall Festival Brings Community Together for Food, Fun, and Music
NewsOctober 23, 2026New Preschool Breaks Ground in Margate With Plans to Expand Into Elementary Education
