The theater department has expanded outreach to students outside of theater, cabinet positions and productions to better connect the theater department to the whole school, according to theater teacher Danielle Trebus.

“I just want the theater department to be strong and have the right philosophy,” said Trebus.

The philosophy Trebus said she’s enforcing is where everyone is involved in the process and no one is considered to have more importance. Thespian Club Vice President Senyel Marin said that she has realized a better connection with the students in the theater department. The students involved with cabinet and Trebus have expanded the amount of participation for students. In the past years, Marin said that the department didn’t feel like a team, however she believes that the students involved now care more about what they’re doing.

“We don’t look in the past anymore,” said Marin. “We care a lot more about what we’re doing.”

New cabinet positions have been opened for theater students who aren’t part of The Thespian Society but are earning points to be a Thespian. There have been additional productions this year. So far, the fall play “Sylvia” by A.R. Gurney has been a new addition to the annual productions. Thespian Secretary junior Jacob Cooley, who was also a cast member of “Sylvia,” said that he can see the difference it’s making in the theater community.

“The new changes have brought the theater students together,” said Cooley. “Everyone feels important.”

Even the students who aren’t part of cabinet feel important. Junior Jashayla Shelton has participated more in the productions this year than previous years. She was stage manager for “The Wiz” and an usher for “Sylvia”.

“I feel more accepted and involved,” said Shelton. “My passion for theater has improved.”

Beyond the extra productions, the theater department has also enforced a mentor system, where upperclassmen in theater mentor the underclassmen. So far, the mentors have held a kickoff party for the theater season and meetings

“I appreciate the theater mentors because they have helped me feel connected and pursue my passion in theater,” said Judin.

The work everyone involved with theater has done has made everyone feel like an actual team according to Marin. The cabinet’s most recent project is to connect all the art departments in an event called Jam Night. While it’s still in the works, Cooley said that he appreciates that theater is now trying to incorporate other departments with what they are doing.

“Theater is trying to connect the whole school in the things that we do,” said Cooley.

So far, they’ve had additional productions, expanded cabinet, and created a mentor program. There isn’t a set date for jam night, but most of the students involved in theater like the idea, according to Cooley.