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Monarch High Drama Club Promotes Theater, Rehearses Upcoming Musical

by David Volz March 18, 2025

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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.

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Author Profile

David Volz

David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.